Benji, alone, will not be the side's saviour but if the team sparks and his talent begins to flow, the Blues will be an awkward opponent, writes Wynne Gray

When Baden Kerr prepares for a game he knows there is every chance it will end in pain. As a migraine sufferer, the slightest head knock can lead to symptoms.

Amid the hype of Benji Marshall's impending return to Sydney - this time as a rugby player - the man himself appears to have his feet firmly on the ground.

John Kirwan hasn't been slow to usher in his unique fashion sense, cultivated during a former role as coach of Italy, to the Blues.

Benji Marshall will return to the rugby league stronghold of Sydney for the continuation of his rugby union education with some confidence after a 40-minute hit-out against the Hurricanes at Masterton.

Benji-mania might be sweeping the Blues' fanbase but there were few clues as to which of the three options at first five-eighths will make it to the Super Rugby start line later this month.

Ma'a Nonu's return to the Blues after his disastrous season at the Highlanders is likely to be delayed by ankle surgery.

Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino, about to return home after two years in Japan, says wearing the black jersey again was the main reason for signing with the Blues.

Piri Weepu is easing his way into the new season following knee surgery

Blues assistant coach Graham Henry says Benji Marshall's fitness work is paying off after the former league international turned up for training out of condition in November.

The Blues have been dealt a big blow even before the season has begun - Culum Retallick has been ruled out of action for six months, while SBW is said to be joining Counties.

Competition for pivotal Blues' No10 jersey as Noakes overcomes potential career threatening injury.

Keven Mealamu is the third All Black to play more than 100 games for the national side.

Ben Lama counts himself as a Blues fanatic - with the proof being his frequent trips to the side's games in Hamilton, Blues jersey and facepaint proudly on display.

Benji Marshall talks to Radio Sport's Mark Richardson about switching codes, moving to New Zealand and where he'd like to start with the Blues.

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

Benji Marshall has spoken of his nervousness as swapping league for rugby union at the Blues' Super Rugby squad announcement this morning.

Ma'a Nonu has broken months of silence about his playing future, revealing he had begun to doubt his ability and saying, "I just have to be a better guy."

When the Blues did their research on Benji Marshall, they were sure they had their man.

John Kirwan comes across with such relentless positivity that it's easy to see the good things about Ma'a Nonu's return to the Blues, but even he must know his about-turn on the wandering midfielder comes with big risks.