The former Kiwis captain Benji Marshall has joined the St George Illawarra Dragons, signing a two-and-half year deal with the Dragons after rejecting an offer from the Cronulla Sharks.
Marshall has been weighing up his future since walking away from his two-year Super Rugby deal with the Blues last month.
Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce says they they made Marshall a very good offer and are disappointed he won't be joining their club.
Noyce took a backhanded swing at the former Wests Tigers star, saying they have strong values surrounding mateship and, with a collection of his good friends at the club, they thought that may have swayed him - but that obviously wasn't Marshall's priority.
Marshall says he is keen to show he can again be a force in the NRL - his form was poor in his final year with the Tigers last season, and at one stage he was benched by coach Mick Potter.
Marshall admits he became lazy at the Tigers and he's keen to turn that around, even if he has to play reserve grade.
The Dragons are banking on Benji Marshall to form a potent halves combination with Gareth Widdop as they attempt to reinvigorate themselves as Premiership contenders.
Marshall could make his Dragons debut as soon as their round 10 clash with Parramatta next Saturday.
