Kiwi star Benji Marshall's NRL career could be over

Benji Marshall of the Dragons runs the ball during the round 12 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the North Queensland Cowboys. Photo / AP.

Benji Marshall's time at the Dragons appears all but over, and his storied NRL career might also be at an end.

The 31-year-old former Kiwi playmaker will be dropped to reserve grade for the penultimate round match against Parramatta, news.com reported.

Marshall, who led the Wests Tigers to a title in 2005, has conceded his days with St George Illawarra are nearing an end.

Marshall told Channel Seven: "The Dragons don't owe me anything. If anything I owe them for the opportunity.

"There is a fair chance that I am not going to be here next year so they need to probably have a look at some of those guys who are.

"And if they do, like I said to the coach this morning, if he goes that way I am not going to throw stones."

Marshall has been one of the brightest lights in the NRL, with a unique flamboyant style. But his form has been on a slide and his rugby stint with the Auckland-based Blues was also a failure.

He could get a final first grade fling against Newcastle, as a mark of respect from coach Paul McGregor. Meanwhile, former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is being linked to the Dragons, after a poor season has left McGregor under pressure.

They were smashed in the latest round by the Roosters, ending their remote top eight chances.