Benji Marshall is still good enough to play on in 2020 if the Wests Tigers veteran has the stomach for an 18th NRL campaign, that's the opinion of coach Michael Maguire.
The 34-year-old has made a solid contribution to the Tigers’ cause in 10 appearances so far this season and played for New Zealand in last month's Test against Tonga.
He set up two of his side’s three tries in Friday’s 24-16 loss to reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters and will play his 300th NRL game against Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium next Sunday.
There has been speculation Marshall, who is on a one-year deal with the Tigers, is considering going around one last time next season.
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Maguire on Friday revealed he plans to have a conversation with Marshall in the coming weeks and indicated the club would strongly consider re-signing the club legend.
“Well the way he’s going, he’s going alright,” Maguire said.
“As I’ve said, he’s the one that’s got to put his body through it so I’ll have those discussions (with Marshall) over the next sort of month.
“And really it just how he feels, he’s playing really good footy so there’s no reason why he can’t (play on in 2020).
“But it’s a matter of obviously the mental side of being able to go through it again is something he needs to judge himself.
“He’s playing well enough to be able to do it.”
Maguire added of Marshall’s impending entry into the exclusive 300-game club: “I’ve had a couple of weeks with Benji where I was overseas with him and I saw the passion for the Kiwi jersey but there’s a hell of a lot of passion for the Wests Tigers jersey in Benji.
“I’m really looking forward to obviously being part of that, they’re special games.
“But one thing I know Benji will do, his focus is very much about growing this team and the game itself.
“There’ll be a celebration around that but I know what Benji’s after and that’s for this team to get on the winning side.”
