NRL: Marshall to contest assault charge

Benji Marshall. Photo / Getty Images

Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall has vowed to defend the assault charge against him stemming from an early morning incident in Sydney's CBD.

Speaking to the media for the first time since he was alleged to have hit a 24-year-old man outside a McDonald's outlet in George St just after 3am on Saturday morning, Marshall thanked the club and members of the public for their support.

Marshall refused to comment on the specifics of the case, other than to say he would fight the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appears in Downing Centre local court on April 20.

"The last several days have obviously been very stressful for myself and my family particularly as they have resulted in me being charged by police," said Marshall, reading a prepared statement.

"I have been advised by my lawyers that because I have been been charged, it is necessary now to allow the legal process to take its course.

"I can however confirm my intention to defend the charge.

"I also look forward to taking my place in the Wests Tigers team this weekend."

Tigers coach Tim Sheens confirmed star playmaker Marshall would be a definite starter for Monday night's opening round clash with Canterbury at ANZ Stadium, dismissing any concerns over his mental state.

The NRL on Monday cleared Marshall to continue playing pending the outcome of the court case, saying the 26-year-old had not breached any regulations with his behaviour in the time leading up to the alleged charge.

"I think at this stage he is still very concerned about the issue, it's only just happened, but I'm very confident his mental state will be right," Sheens told a media conference at the club's Concord Oval training base.

"I've got every confidence that he'll be in good shape both physically and mentally for the game."

Asked about the potential effect the drama could have on the rest of the team, Sheens said: ``The team's only got together today after the incident.

"Everyone's in good spirits, we're getting ready, looking forward to the new season - that hasn't changed.

"The Monday (game is) probably an advantage for us, it gives us a few more days to sort ourselves out."

Marshall was expected to return to training with the rest of the squad on Tuesday afternoon.

- AAP