Benji Marshall, the captain of the Kiwi rugby league team, alongside Quade Cooper, the Wallabies’ five-eighth, are both unpredictable players. Each has the capability to change the outcome of a game in just moments, making them crucial for their countries’ chances of winning on Sunday.
Coach Sheens of the Kangaroos believes that once Marshall’s current contract with Wests Tigers ends, the rugby union will likely target him.
He cites Cooper’s success in the 15-a-side format as a supporting argument for his assertion.
Envision the All Blacks with Marshall as their primary five-eighth. This scenario would certainly provide New Zealand with some comfort today, especially with the absence of their injured star, Dan Carter.
“I am certain that as Benji’s contract approaches its conclusion, rugby will attempt to make another move for him,” Sheens remarked.
“When the game is critical and a win is needed, which player does the Wallabies rely on to create something seemingly out of nowhere? That would be Cooper.
“Such players are infrequent in the sport.
“Their ability to make significant plays during tense moments in games is something truly exceptional.”
Sheens also referred to another star from league participating in Sunday’s Four Nations warm-up Test in Newcastle—Warriors captain Simon Mannering—as proof that rugby union will still occasionally seek to lure talents from league.
Before shifting to league, Mannering was a standout in schoolboy rugby union in New Zealand.
Ahead of the NRL grand final, it was disclosed that four Super 15 clubs had shown interest in recruiting him back to rugby union.
“They’re not as substantial a threat as they were a few years back, but if the right player comes along, they wouldn’t hesitate to pursue them,” Sheens stated.
“An example of this is the Warriors captain.
“I’m certain if the situation calls for it, they’ll try to go after Benji again.”
by Buford Balony