League: Marshall waits on tri-series

Confusion continues to reign over whether league wonder kid Benji Marshall will play for the Kiwis next month.

Marshall lines up again this weekend in the NRL playoffs, but there is ongoing concern over his damaged shoulder.

Reports over the past month have been all over the place, with some suggesting the Tigers have ruled out Marshall from the tests, others suggesting Marshall has made himself unavailable, and some reports say he will play.

The man himself says there is no decision as yet and he will clarify his stand on playing for the Kiwis next month.

However, Marshall does say that if he does more damage to his problem shoulder then he could be out long term but at this stage he still has not made a firm decision on surgery, so could still play for the Kiwis.

The Wests Tigers playmaker says his more immediate worry is playing the Broncos this weekend in the NRL playoffs.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks might be out of luck, with Marshall pledging his allegiance to the Tigers until 2008, but only if current coach Tim Sheens remains in charge.

As for other tri-series news, Great Britain scrum-half Sean Long looks set to miss out after fracturing his left cheekbone.

The 28-year-old will be out of action for a minimum of six weeks as a result of the injury, sustained in St Helens' 38-12 win over Wigan at the weekend.

Great Britain is due to begin the Tri-Nations campaign against the Kiwis on October 30.

Long will be the fifth player to withdraw from Great Britain coach Brian Noble's initial squad, which has already been depleted by the loss of Paul Sculthorpe, Kris Radlinski, Paul King and Terry Newton.

- NEWSTALK ZB