Axed Marshall given one last NRL hurrah

Off-contract Benji Marshall has been guaranteed a farewell game with St George Illawarra despite his sacking from the Dragons’ side to play Parramatta.

The Dragons said Marshall had been rested when their NRL team was named on Tuesday and the former Golden Boot winner won’t be forced to play reserve grade.

Coach Paul McGregor has preferred Drew Hutchinson in the halves alongside Gareth Widdop for Monday night’s clash.

But a possible NRL farewell for Marshall is likely against Newcastle in the final round of the season.

“Mary came to me on Monday and said he had a proposition,” Marshall told News Corp Australia.

“He said he wanted to have a look at Drew for next year, but would still bring me back for the final game of the year. And I’m sweet with that – totally understand.”

Marshall is off contract with the Dragons at the end of the season.

In other news as teams were named for round 25, Danny Fualalo replaces the suspended Sam Kasiano for Canterbury’s match against North Queensland at Belmore Sports Ground on Thursday.

Matt Scott returns from a back injury for the visitors.

Dylan Walker is back from what was thought to be a season-ending shoulder injury for Manly’s match with Canberra at Brookvale Oval on Saturday.

Apisai Koroisau returns to hooker for the home side.

Josh Hodgson is back from suspension for the visitors and Edrick Lee returns from injury for his cousin Brenko on the wing.

Ash Taylor’s return for Gold Coast pushes Jarryd Hayne to fullback and David Mead out of the side for Saturday evening’s clash with Penrith in Queensland.

Skipper Paul Gallen has overcome a calf injury for Cronulla’s Saturday night match with Sydney Roosters at Southern Cross Group Stadium. Winger Sosaia Feki is back from a groin injury for the Sharks.

Tuimoala Lolohea and Solomone Kata have regained their spots as the Warriors host Wests Tigers on Sunday.

David Nofoaluma is the Tigers’ new fullback in the absence of James Tedesco. Jordan Rankin has been shifted to the wing by coach Jason Taylor.

Jarrod Mullen is back at five-eighth as Newcastle host South Sydney at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.

Beau Scott, Brad Takairangi and Tepai Moeroa boost Parramatta to end an era of Monday night football for the NRL.

Both Melbourne and Brisbane are unchanged for Friday night’s AAMI Park clash.

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