NRL: Heartbroken Benji Marshall tears up after Wests Tigers win

Benji Marshall choked back tears. Photo / Twitter.

Tigers legend Benji Marshall choked back tears after his team's 25-16 win over the Knights on Friday night while chatting to Fox Sports sideline reporter Megan Barnard.

The 33-year-old star fought through a heartbreaking week, losing his grandfather on Wednesday.

"It's been pretty tough," a teary Marshall said. "He wanted to play this week. The funeral's tomorrow (Saturday), I'm just going to get back to the family.

"I'm just glad I do what I do for a living, he was my biggest fan..."

Marshall revealed his grandfather told him "you have to play" before passing away.

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A post shared by Benji Marshall (@benji6marshall)

Marshall flew home to New Zealand to be with his grandfather last weekend, and was expected to cross the Tasman again yesterday to attend the funeral.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Marshall said: ''You were my number 1 supporter and always had my back. You even wore your Wests Tigers jersey every day, then the Dragons and Broncos, but you were happiest when I came home to the Tigers so you could wear your Tigers hats again.''

Marshall battled with a calf issue as his side walked away 25-16 winners at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.

Tigers coach Ivan Cleary believes his veteran playmaker will be ready to face Canberra next week.

"He's had calf problems before, we've got a long turnaround for next week so you've got to hope," Cleary said.

"I don't think it's too bad, but it's something that's haunted him a little bit throughout the year.

"He's not the youngest bloke so hopefully it's not too bad, but I guess we'll find out more in the next couple of days."