NRL: Benji Marshall welcomed by Broncos teammate

Shock Brisbane Broncos recruit Benji Marshall. Photo / Photosport

Alex Glenn has welcomed Brisbane's shock recruitment of Benji Marshall and reckons there's no doubt the NRL veteran has "still got it".

Marshall joined the Broncos after coach Wayne Bennett had offered the 31-year- old - unwanted by St George Illawarra - the chance to extend his career with a cut-price one-year deal.

The decision has been widely viewed as a gamble by Bennett but Glenn, Marshall's former New Zealand Test teammate, believes it is a wise move.

"I was surprised and excited at the same time," he said.

"I've been privileged to play with him in the Kiwis and he's got a lot of experience and he's done it all.

"Him coming to our club, I know he's going to give a lot of guidance to some of our younger players.

"He's been in the game for a long time; he's done nothing but positive things. He's going to be a great mentor for our team."

Marshall's signing, which has not yet been ratified by the NRL but is expected to be rubber-stamped soon, has increased speculation Ben Hunt could be off to Parramatta when his Broncos contract expires at the end of 2017.

For the time being at least, Marshall will serve as playmaking back-up to Hunt and halves partner Anthony Milford, while also providing depth in the centres and at fullback.

Glenn, who is recovering from shoulder surgery this week that will restrict his pre-season training involvement until after the New Year, says Marshall is still capable of carving out a position in Brisbane's best-choice 17.

"He's still got it. He's still got that passion to play some quality football and I know he's not going to give up," he said. "He's at a new club. He's got a lot to prove - he'll rip in."

-AAP