'A bit nervous': Benji Marshall's candid reveal about new career

He may have retired after tearing defences apart for nearly two decades but Benji Marshall remains in the spotlight, albeit in a vastly different role.

Yahoo Sport Australia sat down with Benji to discuss his new job, his old club and what Matty Johns means to him.

YAHOO SPORT AUSTRALIA (YSA): We're less than a week out from the start of the 2022 premiership. What do you see in store for your old club Wests Tigers?

Benji Marshall (BM): I'm not expecting them to come first but I think it's just small improvements they're looking for. The appointment of Tim Sheens (as Head of Football Performance) probably brings a bit more hope back to the fans. I think a lot of fans probably lost a bit of confidence in the club last couple of years and I think the signing of Tim probably helped restore a bit of that.

YSA: Will the Maguire-Sheens relationship work or can you see sparks flying?

BM: Madge (Michael Maguire) has got to look on Sheensy being there as a positive thing and lean on him a bit, which I'm sure he will. He was coached by Tim (at Canberra) so they know each other. The thing with Tim is he's not there to be coach but he's had so much experience it would be silly not to rely on him for advice.

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And that's what I think he brings. Players know they can go talk to him if they need to and he can help support Madge if he needs it. He's done this before. In 2003 when he got appointed, the club was in a similar position. He signed a lot of different people that those outside were questioning, but it turned into the 05 premiership. He's been there, done that.

YSA: The Tigers haven’t made the top eight for a decade and the fans are understandably frustrated. How important is a good start?

BM: Very important. If they can put it together for the first four or five rounds and have at least two or three wins, it will take away the outside noise. If they don't, the talk starts coming about 'what's going on there?' It's a big first six rounds. They have to get that right

YSA: Jackson Hastings is one of the club big off-season signings. Are you happy with that that pick-up?

BM: I think he's a good signing. He can offer a bit of versatility in different positions and he's experienced in the halves, where I'm assuming he's playing.

YSA: He's had his problems at other clubs. Is there a risk in signing him?

BM: The thing is, people get caught up with this 'are they good people, are they not good people', but if they can do the job on the weekend and they make your team better, I think that's the biggest thing. But from what I've heard, he's going pretty good there.

YSA: Who else do you like?

BM: I think Tyrone Peachey is going to be their best signing. He just brings the versatility and a X-factor they haven't had at lock. He can ball play, run, kick, so I'm expecting big things. And I feel like the kids like Daine Laurie, Stefano Utoikamanu will only be better for the last year they had.

YSA: You're only a few months into retirement after 19 consecutive seasons but as busy as ever. Tell us about your new show, Benji, beginning Monday night on Fox League.

BM: I want the guests or current players who come on to have a real open and honest space to have a chat about the current issues in the game or anything they want to talk about and just make it really conversational. I'm definitely keen to get the opinions of more current players. From my point of view as a fan now, I'd love to hear more from the players. This is another platform for fans to get to know their favourite players more.

YSA: How are you feeling a few days out from the first show?

BM: I'm a bit nervous, but I feel like it's a great opportunity. Coming out of retirement, to have a purpose, something to really focus on, has been great.

YSA: Will you lean on Matty Johns for advice?

BM: He's the pinnacle of former players who have retired and gone on to do big things on TV. He's been the main man. I haven't actually leaned on Matty yet, but I will. I am a long way off where he is at and have a lot to learn.

YSA: His advice to you is ignore the autocue and let Benji be Benji

BM: I'll be myself. I don't know any other way. I like having a laugh. I like being relaxed with people, so I'll just take that on. And I don’t use an autocue so all good there!

• Benji screens on Fox League each Monday at 7.30pm

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