Tom Marshall staying faithful to Makos [Nelson Mail]
Tom Marshall might be switching Super 15 camps next season, but his provincial rugby ties remain firmly with the Tasman Makos.
Marshall confirmed earlier this week that he's ending his three-year association with the Crusaders and heading to the Hamilton-based Chiefs franchise on a two-year contract. However, the 23-year-old utility back said yesterday from Christchurch that he had no interest in playing for anyone but Tasman at NPC level.
"I can't really see myself playing for another ITM Cup side," said Marshall, who had already signed another one-year deal with Tasman at the end of last season.
He's been keeping a close eye on Tasman's off-season player signings and was excited about rejoining his Makos' team-mates once the Super 15 competition was over.
He'll be required to complete the mandatory two-week stand down period for all Super 15 players which, if the Crusaders achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the Super 15 final on August 3, would potentially make him available for Tasman's opening NPC clash against Southland in Invercargill on August 17.
Marshall's consistent form for the Crusaders this season has meant a regular starting berth on the wing and with little time to consider anything other than helping the team progress through the playoffs. It's meant that as yet he's had no contact with Tasman's coaches Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald.
"I've been pretty much focused on Crusaders. I'm sure once it gets a little bit closer to the time, KK [Keane] or Leon will be sending me the game plan and I'll have to do a bit of study, but at the moment it's just Crusaders."
Recent confirmation of All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg's return to the Crusaders and the opportunity to play in the No 15 jersey for the Chiefs were key elements in Marshall's decision to head north. Another was the chance to reunite with his former New Zealand under-20 coach Dave Rennie.
But when it comes to NPC rugby, Marshall said he was happy to play wherever he's selected.
"I'm not actually too worried. I had a chat with KK at the end of last year and he talked about me playing 12, but I don't mind. I'd be pretty happy at the back [fullback] or wherever he sees me.
"I'm not going to put any pressure on him to play me in a certain position, that's for sure."
Marshall's been satisfied with his form so far this season and is enjoying being injury-free after a shoulder injury, sustained during last year's Tasman Trophy club competition, hampered last season's NPC buildup.
"I've been getting a lot of game time [for the Crusaders] which obviously helps with the confidence and what-not so, yeah, I've been enjoying it.
"I'm actually really enjoying my time on the wing, I just think looking forward to the future, I want to end up playing at fullback, so that's the reasoning [behind joining the Chiefs].
"The body's been really good this year . . . after that shoulder injury last year which was pretty hard work, but I've been pretty lucky this year, touch wood.
"I'm looking forward to coming home. It's always good pulling on that Makos jersey."
