Rugby League: Benji on the up and up

The Wests Tigers will reward New Zealand-born league revelation Benji Marshall with a significant contract upgrade in a bid to ward off interest from rival NRL clubs.

The Whakatane teenager is on A$20,000 ($NZ22,770) this season and next, but he will receive a huge boost at the end of 2005 as the club strive to lock down the utility back long term.

The 19-year-old, who has expressed a desire to represent the Kiwis, has been a pivotal figure in the Tigers' three consecutive wins in the competition.