New Face of League

Wests Tiger Benji Marshall “is the new face of rugby league” according to The Sydney Morning Herald, having been “chosen as the man to front the code as the game prepares for a new era under an independent commission.” “The NRL is banking on Marshall, a big name with a big personality and the New Zealand captain, to head up the battle against the AFL’s aggressive expansion into rugby league heartland. One of his first assignments will be to front the NRL season launch, as well as play a part in the game’s advertising campaign. ‘To be asked to launch the season on behalf of club members is a real honour,’ Marshall told The Sun-Herald. ‘I’m sure it’s going to be a great year for rugby league and I’m keen to do whatever I can to promote our great game.’ NRL chief executive David Gallop said Marshall was the ideal choice as ambassador for the game. ‘The fact that he’s a Kiwi is proof that the game is going gangbusters in New Zealand. There’s a Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this year and yet the Warriors are going gangbusters — junior numbers are up an amazing amount. Benji has really grown into his profile and is a real ambassador for the game. He’s good for the game.’”