NZRU eye Benji Marshall for code switch

Benji Marshall

Kiwis league standoff Benji Marshall is being courted by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) for a possible code switch at the end of the year.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew has confirmed Marshall, star of National Rugby League (NRL) side the Wests Tigers, was on their shopping list.

"We have made inquiries with Benji to see what his intentions are at the end of the year and offered him an open invitation to come and talk to us if he's considering a return to rugby union as an option -- that's as far as it has gone," Tew told the Dominion Post.

Tew said Marshall accepted an NZRU invitation to watch the All Blacks' 30-13 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.

"He's had a great year for Wests Tigers and the guys that we rely on to spot talent have spotted him -- and they (players) have to be very good to do that."

Whakatane-born Marshall made his NRL debut in 2003 and has been a key figure for the Tigers this season, scoring 11 tries and guiding them into the top-eight.

He made his Kiwis debut in the Anzac test in April, but is in doubt for the Tri-Nations tournament in October with a shoulder injury that may need treatment after the NRL season.

Wests Tigers offered Marshall a three-year contract last month which was understood to be worth A$320,000 ($351,223) a season.

- NZPA