Marshall to focus on playing

Former All Black halfback Justin Marshall has arrived in Leeds and says he is determined to play his best rugby at Headingley and not "cruise through" a two-year deal.

Marshall, 32 next month, said while attending a training camp for 140 schoolboys, that if he had wanted an easy ride he would have retired.

He left New Zealand on a high after helping the Crusaders to a Super 12 title and then the All Blacks to a 3-0 win over the Lions.

Marshall said: "I could not have scripted it better. It was a fantastic way to leave. I'm satisfied and relieved because I was anxious about the Lions series."

Marshall drew on personal experience, against Australia in the 2003 World Cup semifinal, to offer some advice to the injured Lions captain, Brian O'Driscoll, who dislocated a shoulder in the first Test when 'dump' tackled by Tana Umaga and Kevan Mealamu.

Marshall could not comment on the tackle's legality but added that the incident was a shame.

"I certainly know how Brian O'Driscoll felt because the same thing happened to me at the World Cup. I was taken out in a tackle that broke my ribs and I felt bitter and twisted about it.

"For Brian, it was the first test of the Lions series and he wanted to be involved. He might come to regret the things he said."

Marshall is likely to make his Leeds debut on August 13 when Edinburgh, led by Todd Blackadder, travel to Headingley for a friendly that is now being played as a curtain-raiser to the Super League match between the Rhinos and London Broncos.


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