NRL: Marshall in court today

Benji Marshall. Photo / Getty Images

The NRL has been granted little reprieve in regards to off-field indiscretions, with the assault case involving Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall set to begin in court today.

With the fallout from the late night drinking session which saw Sydney Roosters pair Todd Carney and Anthony Watts stood down indefinitely still fresh in the air, the NRL will turn its attention to the case involving the face of the game.

Marshall was charged after an alleged altercation with a 24-year-old man outside a McDonald's outlet in inner Sydney just after 3am on March 4.

The incident came just days after Marshall was handed the honour of officially opening the NRL season.

Marshall, who is not expected to appear at Downing Centre local court on Wednesday, has vowed to defend the charge.

There were reports Marshall had been provoked by degrading taunts aimed at his girlfriend when he pushed the alleged victim.

The NRL refused to sanction Marshall over the incident, claiming they would allow the court process to play out before making judgement.

- AAP