Benji Marshall has announced his retirement from the NRL, ending one of the game’s most glamorous careers after 19 seasons.

An emotional Marshall confirmed he had played his last game at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, alongside South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett and CEO Blake Solly.

The NRL great had been contemplating his future in the lead-up to Sunday’s grand final loss to Penrith.

With the Rabbitohs’ season over, the 36-year-old has decided to call time on a career at 346 games.

“I started off my journey in rugby league as a small boy from Whakatane chasing a dream,” a teary Marshall said.

“I’ll leave this game as a man who has learned a lot of lessons.

“Nineteen seasons in the NRL is more than half the length of my life.”

Marshall shot to fame in his early days at Wests Tigers, with his flick pass for Pat Richards in the 2005 decider one of the most famous grand final moments.

He staved off retirement twice, linking with Bennett at Brisbane in 2017 after being released by St George Illawarra, and again with the master coach at Souths this year.

Marshall’s career also included 31 Tests for New Zealand, as well as the Golden Boot award for best player in the world in 2010.

AAP

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