A sterilisation shift worker for Heinz Wattie's Ltd, Marsh, 38, made his premier debut in 2008. He had the 2011 season off to focus on his kickboxing commitments and then missed most of the following season with an ankle injury.
He agreed today's match will be a big assignment for the defending champions.
"We all have to put it out there and there is a bit of payback involved," Marsh said referring to Taradale's 37-31 win when the two teams met five weeks ago.
"I'm confident we can make it three titles in a row. I know I've got a couple of seasons left in me too ... I want to play 200 games," Marsh said.
He ranked Magpies props Jason Long and Mark Braidwood as the toughest props he has marked in the comp. While he has had the odd game at prop in the past this season's switch was a permanent one following the retirement of Mike King and the departure of former Magpie Jarvy Aoake.
"I remember propping against Whetu Barber a few seasons back. He just dwarfed me for size," Marsh said.
Barber was a former MAC player who won Hawke's Bay's club rugby MVP award in 2011.
Marsh labelled the 2016 Maddison Trophy final which saw NOBM thrash Taradale 41-8 as his most memorable.
"We tore Taradale to pieces in that horrendous storm. It's a shame there were so many power cuts that day because there isn't much footage of that game around," he added.
It's no secret the openside flanker tussle between Napier Old Boys Marist's captain and this season's Hawke's Bay club rugby MVP winner, Chris Johnston, and Taradale's Nathan Tweedy will have a huge influence on the outcome of the match. The pair know whoever outplays the other today could secure the edge in the tussle for a Magpies Mitre 10 Cup contract.
"We've both got intentions of being there. But this weekend we have to put that on the back burner and do what is best for our teams ... it's all about getting our team over the line," Tweedy said yesterday.
The former Manawatu Development team and under-19 representative has been impressed with how the Mighty Maroons have clicked in recent weeks to complete an unbeaten run in round robin play.
"We're riding pretty high and have had a few good results," Tweedy said.
He stressed how important it was for the hosts not to concede the first 15 points as they have done so often this season.
"You can't do that against a good team like NOBM. We have to be firing on all cylinders. It's a big ask but the boys will be up for it," Tweedy added.
Taradale manager Paul Wise has heard talk suggesting his troops will start as favourites because NOBM will be missing nine regulars including key forwards Ricky Hayes, Hannon Brighouse and Matt Gardner.
"They've got so much depth. They will still be tough and we're missing some regular starters too," Wise said referring to prop Joe Apikotoa and outside backs Dan McIntyre and Ashton Tuck.
Teams:
Taradale Rugby and Sports: Wade Woolly, Hemi Waerea, Kaleb Whakataka, Nathan Ramsay, Niki Martin, Brad Truesdale, Karl Hewitt, Andrew Gardner, Nathan Tweedy, Ffrancis Ah Him, Jordan Kupa, Angelo Mufana, Kelsey Miller, Joe Clarke, James Humphries. Substitutes: Ellery Tareha, Jack Byrne/Aaron Bidlake, Reece Aranui, Lua Luamanu, Jock McPherson, Brynn Uriarau, Lester Maulolo/Zane Hohepa.
Napier Old Boys Marist: Sam Weber, Michael Buckley, Shae Tucker, Paul Bickle, Saia Paese, Johnny Lauano, Ellery Wilson, Chris Johnston, Jack Nelson-Murray, Sean Skeet, Matt Thompson, Tyler Symone-Bourke, Terry Marsh, Willie Benson, Chris Benson. Substitutes: Lee Moleili, Migao Lauano, Max Martin, Sami Lauano, Zac Donaldson, Mitch Drew, Craig Sharplin.
