The description of a developing Blues first-five as a player with "X-factor" should probably start alarm bells following the Benji Marshall experiment.

Benji Marshall's rugby union experiment is likely to cost him $2 million, with the player set to return to Australia as soon as tomorrow to finalise a budget conscious NRL comeback.

Simon Hickey's experience running the cutter at the ailing Blues should stand him in good stead as the skipper of the New Zealand Under-20s in June's Junior World Championship.

Benji Marshall saved his best performance for the Blues until the end. There were smiles and laughter yesterday at Eden Park in what became a eulogy for his failed rugby experiment.

Benji Marshall has been officially released from his Super Rugby contract, but says he has "been able to find himself again" through playing rugby

New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have today agreed and confirmed the terms of Benji Marshall's release from his Investec Super Rugby contract. Following Friday night’s match against the Hurricanes, Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan and Benji Marshall had some frank and honest discussions and mutually agreed the best path forward was for Marshall to return to rugby league. 29-year-old Marshall said while his on-field performance had not lived up to his expectations, he felt he had become a better player and person for the experience.

Blues halfback Piri Weepu has admitted the Benji Marshall saga has been a distraction for the team, but that the former league player will be missed.

In reaching a mutual agreement with Benji Marshall to let him leave the Blues a few months into his two-year contract, New Zealand's rugby bosses made their best decision.

Blues investor Murray Bolton has no hard feelings towards Benji Marshall and his looming exit.

Benji Marshall will not be a Warrior, with coach Andrew McFadden saying today the failed rugby convert is "not what they need right now".

Benji Marshall says he is an "average'' rugby union player but insists he is better for his failed experiment at the Blues.

The slowly unfolding car crash that was the Blues' Benji Marshall experiment skidded to a final and dramatic halt yesterday.

Amid the Benji Marshall saga and a listing ship sporting a spotty 3-5 record, John Kirwan is happy to seize on anything positive surrounding his beleaguered Blues.

Blues coach John Kirwan says his team needs to "work harder and stay in the fight" after a disappointing loss to the Hurricanes on Friday.

Benji Marshall's inclusion in the Blues match-day squad is now hanging by a thread.

What a game of stunning intensity and brutality in Hamilton on Saturday, a game that was comparable to most test matches.

Recovering Blues halfback Piri Weepu has warned his underperforming teammates they need to work out whether they want to be at the franchise or not.

A 39-20 defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in Wellington last night was a frustrating blow to the Blues who have dropped five from eight this year.

Super Rugby's break for the June tests comes at an opportune time for Blues first-five Simon Hickey.

When the Blues look back on their Benji Marshall experiment, regardless of how it turns out, they might want to take note of the lessons learned, because there will be many.

Winning on the road continues to be a problem for the Blues following a 39-20 defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight.

Ma'a Nonu has been ruled out of tonight's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington due to a calf injury.

Blues coach John Kirwan says the team's atrocious away record under his reign needs addressing.