League: Marshall gets much-needed insurance

Benji Marshall is crucial to the Kiwis' hopes this Friday night. Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

All the talk a week ago was about golf superstar Tiger Woods getting insurance to cover his speedway exploits in Huntly.

This week, it's league player Benji Marshall in the insurance spotlight - although in Marshall's case, he's staying within his own sporting code.

The 21-year-old was named at halfback for Friday's Anzac test against Australia in Brisbane, but he carried an hefty insurance premium, given his history of shoulder injuries.

This afternoon the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) announced that they have arranged insurance cover for the talented playmaker.

He's nursing himself back into the game after dislocating his shoulder 3 1/2 weeks ago.

NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz told NZPA the cover was arranged this morning, clearing Marshall to play if he passes today's fitness test.

"We have full insurance cover. The issue was about Benji's welfare and we've managed to reach and agreement," Cordtz said.

An Australian company has stumped up with the extra cost which is over and above the normal insurance taken out over an international team.

Cordtz said he had spoken to West Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce and they were satisified with the cover provided for their star five-eighth.

Cordtz would not reveal how much it cost, but NZRL chairman Selwyn Bennett told a Sydney radio station "all I can say is, it's not cheap." 

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Meanwhile, Marshall faces one final fitness test today on the Gold Coast.

He will have a run and train under the watchful eye of his Tigers club physio, former Wallaby Andrew Leeds.

Kiwis manager, Peter Leitch says Marshall's club is trying to help the Kiwis. He says the Tigers have been outstanding in working with the test team.

He says Benji Marshall remains dead keen to play in the game.

- NZPA