Superstar Benji Marshall says he is worried about the future of rugby league in light of the doping crisis that has engulfed the NRL.
As he announced the inaugural winner of his rugby league scholarship program and helped to launch a sports program aimed at combating childhood obesity on Friday, Marshall admitted the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation had him concerned.
“It’s hard not to be worried about it,” Marshall told AAP.
“I’m not worried about myself or the club at all in regard to that, I’m just worried about the game.
“At the end of the day it sort of overshadows the good stuff that we do do as rugby league players.
“But I can only represent myself and do what I do and that is what I am trying to do here in terms of raising awareness about childhood obesity.”
Marshall’s comments are all the more pertinent because of his genuine regard for the game of rugby league and the children who one day may become its stars.
Even more so when put alongside his understanding of the responsibilities with which he is endowed as one of the stars of the game.
Unlike those players who complain about their so-called “fishbowl existence”.
“To be able to be a mentor to kids like this, that means a lot to me,” Marshall said.
“I guess you just have to accept it (being a role model).
“It’s still a little bit overwhelming and embarrassing at times.
“But to be able to speak to kids, to be able to educate kids about a whole range of things is a great thing to be able to do.”