Rugby: Marshall frank about reason for switch to Blues - to win

Former NRL player Benji Marshall is working on his rugby skills and watching other players for ideas. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Top sportsmen like Benji Marshall harness their emotion to power their performance.

Understanding those mental battles got Marshall through most of the last decade with the Tigers in the NRL until he began to stagnate.

He doesn't want to blame anyone for that but it was a catalyst for his move to the Blues and a Super 15 career which will begin next year.

The switch has him on edge though you would not have known that from his polished display at yesterday's franchise launch at Eden Park. Marshall worked the room, the interviews and the commercial obligations with the aplomb of a career professional.

He's shifted across the Tasman and been soaking up rugby data ahead of his anticipated Blues debut in four months. He knows the life of a professional sportsman yet was twitchy in the company of teammates he had barely met.

However Marshall was not shy about his purpose.

"My first goal is to have success here," he said. "When people meet me they will see, I am probably the most competitive person they will ever see.

"I have signed with the Blues to win, not to make up numbers, not to be a marketing tool - to win because I hate losing."

The 28-year-old is injury-free after five weeks' rest to sort out a toe injury and is working through a fitness routine he hopes will have him at a sharp 90kg for the Super 15 kickoff.

He is working through a series of basic rugby ideas and skills to help his transition which will get a sharper tune-up once the entire Blues squad gathers after Christmas.

Marshall feels refreshed by the challenges. He is unsure what position he will play for the Blues but is already mulling over ideas.

"I've had a look at how Carter and Cruden play at 10. I won't be trying to be like them but seeing what makes them a good 10 and then see what Israel Dagg does to be a good fullback," he explained.

"I liken my style to something Dagg did against Australia the other day when he had a 20m short side, looked up and saw a hooker guarding that space and ducked back that way. I think I can add things like that, counting numbers or seeing faces.

"I'm not going to get tackled and get up and play the ball," he chuckled, "but I am really excited about learning something new."

Routine is Marshall's mantra for pro sport. The night before a match and on game day, he has a strict routine. "I stick to the same times, eat the same food because I know what works for me. That's important and it takes a while to learn.

"When I was young I always thought I was missing out. I had to be here or there when really it is all about getting in your own zone and finding someone in your own team who is similar to you so that when you are away you are not battling distractions," he said. He was conscious the Blues players probably had a perception about what he was like as a person and player.

"I am all built up as a sort of superstar but when they get to know me, they will find it is all about the team. I don't know what the guys are thinking about me but it is scary and exciting.

"They will get to understand that. I am the biggest advocate that no player is bigger than the team or the club."

Marshall did not court the media attention but it was part of the deal of being a professional.

"I hope it helps put bums on seats but I hope my performance helps even more."