29 Aug 2013
Mealamu re-signs with the Blues
All Blacks, Blues and Auckland hooker Keven Mealamu has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues.
In the final part of our interview with new recruit Benji Marshall, we look back at his rugby league career and how his switch to rugby union will reinvigorate his passion to play.
Talking a bit about rugby league, what have been some of your most memorable moments in the code?
There’s been a few. Definitely 2005 when I made my debut for the Kiwis, that was a pretty memorable time for me, I was only 19-years-old and to get that call up to play with guys that I looked up to was unbelievable. Also in 2005 when we won the Premiership with the Tigers which was one of the best days of my life. 2008 winning the World Cup with the Kiwis, 2010 winning the Four Nations, winning the Golden Boot in 2010 and probably captaining the Kiwis for a record number of games was one of my highlights as well.
With a decade in the code, looking back do you think you’ve achieved everything you wanted to achieve?
Oh, and more. I didn’t think I’d have this opportunity to play on the highest stage of rugby league and as a kid growing up in Whatakane I never thought that would ever happen so for all the things that I’ve been through and everything that I’ve achieved it’s been beyond my wildest expectations and dreams.
The Wests Tigers have been a massive part of your life since you started playing for them more than a decade ago, what would you like to say to your fans as you leave in your final few games of the season?
It’s been my life pretty much, the last 11 years I’ve spent at the Tigers so it’s been everything. It’s always going to be a part of my life, I’m still going to support the Tigers and I’ve put that out to everyone that I’ll still be supporting the Tigers. It’ll always be my home in rugby league no doubt but sometimes you have to make a change and this is a time for that change and I’m excited for it. I’ve had such great support throughout my time at the Tigers and hopefully I can have that support carry through to my change to Union and hopefully still see everyone now and again.
Making the switch from rugby league to union, it seems as though this is really going to reinvigorate your career and reignite your passion to play the game.
Absolutely, and that’s half the challenge I think when you’ve been playing for so long is to get that excitement to go to work everyday and be pumped up and motivated every morning to do your best and I think with this change and learning a new game, it gives me the opportunity to learn something new everyday. It’ll be like being back at school, you just get excited to see the boys and try and learn a new trade and that’s what I’m going to do.
12 Aug 2013
Benji Marshall interview 3 of 3
In the final part of our interview with new recruit Benji Marshall, we look back at his rugby league career and how his switch to rugby union will reinvigorate his passion to play.
In the second installment of our exclusive three part interview with Benji Marshall, hear about his thoughts on playing ITM Cup, Sevens, who he’s mates with at the Blues, working with the likes of †Sir John Kirwan, Sir Graham Henry and Mick Byrne and what his aspirations are in rugby union.
Do you know many of the guys that you’ll be playing with at the Blues next year?
I know a couple, Piri Weepu is one of my close family friends who I’ve known for a long time so that’ll make it definitely a lot easier but obviously watching the up-and-coming talent there’s a lot of young guys who are really impressive ñ Charles Piutau and Frank Halai and guys like that are pretty exciting to watch so hopefully I can put those guys over for a couple of tries. It’s just exciting, the age and talent and the depth that the Blues have coming through is very exciting so I can’t wait for that.
Have you spoken with any other players that have made the switch from league to union about how they found the transition?
No to be honest I haven’t, I didn’t really ask many people about their experience because I want to live that experience for myself. I think I’m a hard worker at training and I enjoy that side of learning and as a player everyday you want to learn something new and I think that’s the challenge for me ñ I’ve been given this fresh opportunity that’s new and exciting and everyday I know I’m going to be learning something new so I’m going to be like the new kid in town and the young guy bouncing around and trying to get to know everyone and get to learn all the rules and that’s exciting for me.
You must be excited about the calibre of coaches you’ll be working with next year?
Absolutely I think with Sir Graham Henry at the Blues it’s an enticing thing to make you want to go there with his success with the All Blacks so with Sir John and Graham and Mick Byrne who’s the skills coach for the All Blacks as well it’s pretty exciting and gives me a great opportunity to learn the game.
So what would you say your main aspirations in rugby would be?
Putting it bluntly it’s to win a title with the Blues. First and foremost if we can do that the rest takes care of itself. I’d love the opportunity to play for the All Blacks no doubt, but that’s not going to happen unless we’re having success at the Blues and my performance is doing the talking on the field so I think first and foremost to win the title. It’s been a long time for the Blues, they used to be a dominant force in Super Rugby 10 years ago and I want to help hopefully get that back.†
When are you looking at heading over to New Zealand?
To be honest I’m not sure yet, maybe September, maybe October. I haven’t really sat down and spoken to the Blues about what the scenario is yet but my wife and I are ready to go when we need to be so that won’t be a drama.
Before you start with the Blues are you planning on playing any ITM Cup?
No I don’t think so. My deal starts with ITM Cup for next year and the year after so I’m not actually contracted to them at the moment. I might be saying the wrong thing because I don’t really know what the expectations are but from a contract point of view I’m not contracted for this season.
There’s been some talk about playing Sevens, is that a genuine interest for you?
First and foremost I want to succeed in 15s, that’s my priority no doubt but if the opportunity comes along to play Sevens and they want me to do that and it doesn’t conflict with any 15-a-side stuff then yes I’d be happy to. I grew up playing Sevens and touch, I represented New Zealand at touch and I feel like I could definitely contribute to that side and contribute skills to that arena but my goal is to win with the Blues first and foremost and if the Sevens doesn’t get in the way of that then fine.
You’ve played at Eden Park before with the Kiwis, are you looking forward to making it your home ground in 2014?
Absolutely that’s one of the most exciting parts about it as well. Eden Park is such the holy grail of rugby union in New Zealand and there’s so much history that’s gone on there and hopefully I can be a part of that.
So just how excited are you to be returning home to New Zealand?
I don’t know if you can tell but on the inside I’m jumping up and down. It’s just all happened so fast it’s been sort of hard to take in and process straight away. I’ve still got a few games left with the Tigers to try and go out on a high note I suppose if you can say that and at the end of that I’ll get really excited about it. I know my mum’s looking forward to me moving home and my grandfather as well so I suppose it’s exciting for my family as well.
11 Aug 2013
Benji Marshall interview 2 of 3
In the second installment of our three part interview with Benji Marshall, hear about his thoughts on playing ITM Cup, Sevens, who he’s mates with at the Blues and working with the likes of Sir John Kirwan, Sir Graham Henry and Mick Byrne
Rugby league star Benji Marshall has today announced he will be moving back to New Zealand to play rugby for the Blues.
Marshall has signed a two year deal to play for the Blues franchise in the Investec Super Rugby competition for 2014/15 and will be crossing the ditch within weeks.
The 28-year old said he was excited by the prospect of playing rugby under the tutelage of Sir John Kirwan and his coaching team.
“Based on what JK has told me about the winning culture the Blues are working to create and where he sees my part in that, I’m really looking forward to this next stage of my sporting career.”
After eleven years with the West Tigers, Marshall recently announced his desire to again play rugby union and Blues Head coach Sir John Kirwan is very pleased with his latest recruit.
“I’m really excited. It has been bit of a process because it’s obviously a big decision for Benji but he’s really excited about the challenge and we’re thrilled to have someone with his professionalism and ability in the organisation. I think it’s going to be a great journey for us all,” Kirwan said.
“Benji has the ability to break open a game; he’s one of those players that does the right thing at the right time. He has great footwork and a good passing game so we can see those attributes really being beneficial to the Blues and to rugby union.”
Discussions have been in progress for some time between the Blues and Marshall amidst intense speculation on both sides of the Tasman. A recent visit to Auckland for Benji and his wife Zoe was an important part of the decision-making process.
“It was important for us to see for ourselves the area, the facilities and what was in store should we move to Auckland. As a New Zealander, it’s pretty special to be able to live back here with my wife.”
Born in Whakatane in the eastern Bay of Plenty, Marshall moved to Australia at the age of 15 to take up a rugby league scholarship at Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast.
He made his first class debut for the Tigers against the Newcastle Knights in 2003 and has gone on to play 196 games for the club. He has also played 27 Tests for the New Zealand Kiwis, captaining the side from 2009-2012.
While Marshall last played rugby as an Under 16 New Zealand school boy representative, 13 years later he admits he’s looking forward to the code change and opportunity to have a crack at a new challenge.
However exactly what position he is destined for will be a work in progress as Kirwan will reserve his decision on where Marshall will slot into the Blues backline.
“I’ve always said I’m not going to put any pressure on that, obviously he’s a talented player so perhaps 15, 12 or 10 but we don’t really know yet, we’re leaning towards 15 but we’ll just have to wait until he joins the team for pre-season training and see how it goes.”
Blues CEO Andy Dalton said Marshall’s impressive sporting career and stellar reputation makes him an exciting prospect for all sports fans in the Blues region and across the country.
“This has the makings of a fantastic partnership with reward for Benji, the Blues, our fans and stakeholders. Benji is hugely popular and respected in both countries, in both codes and we are confident he will bring that professionalism and ability he is renowned for to our organisation.”
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew welcomes Marshall’s return to rugby.
“We’re really pleased a player of Benji’s quality has decided to return to rugby and find a new home with the Blues. He has the x factor that excites fans so I am sure he will add much to the Blues, as well as being the sort of player that will inspire younger players.”
Marshall will move to New Zealand in September.
10 Aug 2013
Benji Marshall signs with the Blues
Rugby league star Benji Marshall has today announced he will be moving back to New Zealand to play rugby for the Blues.
In the first of a series of exclusive video interviews with new recruit Benji Marshall, we chat with him about the opportunity of joining the Blues, the reason he moved to rugby union, where he thinks he might fit into the backline and what the most challenging aspects of making the code switch will be.
Come back tomorrow to hear about Benji’s thoughts on playing ITM Cup, Sevens, who he’s mates with in the Blues, working with the likes of Sir Graham Henry and Mick Byrne and what his aspirations are in rugby union.
Welcome to the Blues Benji, you must be really excited about this new opportunity
Yes I am, first of all to get the opportunity to move home is a big thing for me, my grandfather’s still there and about six or seven of my aunties and uncles are still there so I suppose to get the chance to see family again and to move home which is something I haven’t done for 13 years is something I’m really excited about.†
What made you switch to rugby union?
It’s been well documented what happened at the Tigers with contract negotiations and that sort of stuff and it’s sort of the first time that I’ve actually been able to have a reason to change to rugby union, I’ve always felt like my home was going to be at the Tigers but with all this stuff happening it’s given me this opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream of maybe representing the All Blacks.†
If you want to play for the All Blacks obviously you have to play in New Zealand so that’s part of my decision and not only that, how professional the Blues were with their negotiations and what they fronted me with their vision for the next few years was a driving force on what made me make the decision†
So it was their professional approach that really attracted you to the Blues?
Absolutely, the professionalism of not only the coach but at board level with Andy Dalton was a big factor. They turned up with a great presentation and showed me the future of the club over the next few years and I really think that Sir John Kirwan is such a great guy and highly respected in all the circles of rugby and not only that but just such a good guy to be around. I like surrounding myself with good people and he gave me a lot of honest truths and a lot of motivators to make me want to succeed and I think that’s important as a player and something I need.
While you have been playing rugby league, do you still keep an eye on Super Rugby and the All Blacks?
Yes I do actually. I played rugby union all my life growing up until I moved to Australia, I didn’t play league until I was 15 so I’ve always followed the All Blacks and kept track of games here and there and it’s always been great to watch. New Zealand rugby has been so successful over the past 10 years and that’s part of the reason why I want to be a part of that.
Have you thought about where you might like to feature in the Blues backline?
I don’t really want to limit myself to a certain position yet because I think it’s important for me in making the transition to learn the game, learn the rules and get in there and train in different positions and see where I fit in properly so if I had a preference it would probably be 10, 12 or 15 but until I get into training I can’t really pinpoint that position yet.
What do you think will be the most challenging aspects of switching to rugby union?
It’s definitely going to be hard work, no doubt, and it’s definitely something I’m ready for, but probably just in terms of the play the ball. With league you get up and play the ball and you get a little bit of time to get onside whereas with rugby it’s just a continual flow of rucks and mauls and instead of putting the ball between my legs I’m going to have to be turning it back and putting the ball back which is going to be a little bit different but I still remember doing that when I was playing back in my teenage years so I think with a bit of practice hopefully I can go good.
Tell us a bit about your rugby experience growing up in New Zealand
I played since I was five-years-old growing up in Whakatane and everyone’s dream in New Zealand growing up is to become an All Black. I remember, I used to love guys like Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall because he had the same last name as me, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu was massive when I was young so I have all those memories of watching those guys play and wanting to be like those guys. That dream obviously changed a bit when I started playing rugby league and I got to represent the Kiwis which was one of the best times of my life and hopefully if I perform well enough that I can get that opportunity with the All Blacks.
Tune in later for more exclusive Benji Marshall content!
10 Aug 2013
Benji Marshall interview 1 of 3
In the first of a series of exclusive video interviews with new recruit Benji Marshall, we chat with him about the opportunity of joining the Blues, the reason he moved to rugby union and where he thinks he might fit into the backline.
04 Aug 2013
Four Blues players named in All Blacks squad
Four Blues players have today been named in the All Blacks squad for the 2013 Investec Rugby Championship.
30 Jul 2013
Blues fan drives away with new Hyundai Accent
The 2013 Blues season might not quite have finished as strongly as many fans had hoped, but for one lucky member the final game of the year was certainly one to remember as he drove away with a brand new Hyundai Accent.
29 Jul 2013
7 Blues players named in All Blacks training squad
Seven Blues players will be attending an All Blacks training camp in Auckland this week ahead of the Investec Rugby Championship.
24 Jul 2013
Blues Schools grind out victory
The next generation of Blues players strutted their stuff in a one of match against franchise neighbours the Chiefs in Schools match yesterday afternoon.
19 Jul 2013
Luke Braid named 2013 Blues player of the year
The Blues held their internal end of season function at SKYCITY last night with family, sponsors, board members and staff.
