The Auckland Blues appear to be the most likely destination for Benji Marshall, whose manager says his stable star has made it quite clear he would never do anything but wear the Silver Fern.
The Melbourne Rebels were meeting with Marshall's manager Martin Tauber late last night, but they would need the Australian Rugby Union to contribute to his salary to have any chance of meeting his salary demands.
The 28-year-old reportedly asked the Tigers for a release from a $750,000 a year deal which the Rebels have said is way out of their league.
It's understood Marshall remains hopeful of playing either for the All Blacks or the sevens team at the Rio Olympics, and ti do either he'd have to be playing in New Zealand to be eligible for selection.
Marshall and Tauber met with Blues coach John Kirwan and chief executive Andy Dalton in Sydney on the weekend although they have yet to receive an official offer from any Super Rugby club.
Playing rugby in Japan or France will be other options for Marshall after he completes his final season in the NRL.
