Benji Marshall Joins Blues

The biggest non-secret in New Zealand sport is out - Benji Marshall is to jump codes and join John Kirwan at the Blues. It is thought that Marshall will take a $365,000 pay cut to play rugby union - although he'd still be earning about $500,000 per year anyway.

Marshall has recently stated his dream to play for the All Blacks, meaning moves to the Waratahs and Rebels were always going to be shot down.

Naturally, it is a big blow to the Wests Tigers, given Marshall is their marquee player, as well as the NRL who in recent times have been pushing hard to keep their stars with their latest multi-million dollar broadcasting deal with Fox.

Could we see these two taking each other on in Super Rugby?

Indeed, Super Rugby could find itself with 3 of the NRL's biggest stars of recent times by 2015 if Israel Folau remains at the Waratahs and SBW returns to union in time for the Rugby World Cup.

So where will Benji play at the Blues? The one thing that will aide Benji Marshall tremendously is that he appears to already have the full skill set to excel in rugby union - not only is he great with his hands, but his kicking game is not too bad. The only question mark against him is his defence - although that can be worked at.

Charles Piutau could move into the centres to allow Benji Marshall to play at fullback

This means that we could see Benji initially out at fullback although if he can improve his defence, second-five might be his best place, meaning he could just carry on where SBW left off at the ABs - if he makes it.

Benji Marshall may very well target success in the Sevens particularly with the Olympics in mind - there, his weak defence won't be such an issue and the game of Sevens would definitely suit a playmaker of his style.

Anyway, watch this space - this should be fun.