League: Wests Tigers co-captain Benji Marshall to play against Newcastle before attending grandfather's funeral

Benji Marshall. Photo / Photosport

Wests Tigers co-captain Benji Marshall will play an emotion-charged match against Newcastle tomorrow night following the death of his grandfather in New Zealand.

The former Kiwis captain was granted personal leave this week to return home to say goodbye to his Koro, but is confirmed to take on the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.

"He missed the one session which is not unusual for Benji anyway. He was back for our main session yesterday," coach Ivan Cleary told reporters today.

Marshall will make his 218th appearance for the joint-venture club before flying back across the Tasman to attend his grandfather's funeral on Saturday.

Cleary was confident the 33-year-old would be right to play and felt it was important he had the chance to spend time with his family.

"I think he's alright. It was good for him to get the opportunity to go back and say his farewell. We had a good chat yesterday and he seemed his bright self," Cleary said.

Marshall posted a lengthy tribute to his "number one supporter" on social media this week in which he thanked his grandfather for his unwavering support.

"As much as it hurts to lose you today you are in a much better place now," Marshall's post reads.

"I lived with you since the day I was born and learnt so much from you over the years. You were my number 1 supporter and always had my back.

"Your sense of humour was incredibly sharp and you had everyone in stitches all the way until the end. I will miss you my Koro and will be home on sat to see you off."

The ninth-ranked Tigers sit just four points behind the eighth-placed Warriors and will look to put more pressure on the Auckland outfit with five weeks remaining until the playoffs.

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