Marshall seeks release from Blues, return to NRL: report

Benji Marshall is reportedly seeking a release from the Auckland Blues and wants to return to the NRL.

Marshall made headlines last year when he left Wests Tigers for rugbyunion outfit the Auckland Blues. But after a reported demotion to the development squad, he now wants to return to league, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The former Tigers pivot has seen little match time since the start of the season and when coach John Kirwan reportedly instructed him to play the rest of the season in the lower grade, he asked manager Martin Tauber to start negotiations with NRL clubs.

His limited success is in stark contrast to another former NRL player, Israel Folau, who has excelled in rugby union after a short stint playing AFL for the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

Marshall's reported demotion means he will miss the Blues' clash with Folau's Waratahs on Anzac Day.

Marshall played 201 games with the Tigers, scoring 76 tries and leading the club to a premiership in 2005.