Ey-Oop, NOT Haway, Marshy!

By apb
January 6 2005

Its been rumoured all morning, and this afternoon the official announcement came. Sit down, take a deep breath, and.... relax! Here we go.... Justin Marshall has signed a two year deal with the Leeds Tykes, starting at Headingley in time for the new season

Marshall, the most capped All Black back of all time will be coming to England after his duties for the ABs in the Lions tour of New Zealand.

To capture a player of Marshy's callibre is a huge coup for the Tykes, particularly when you condsider the precarious position in the Zurich Premiership they currently occupy.

Speaking to LeedsRugby.com, the club's official website, Gary Hetherington, Leeds' Chief Executive said "We are delighted that Justin has agreed to join us for next season and it is a major boost to our ambitions for the Tykes. We are extremely grateful to our main club sponsors, Leeds & Holbeck Building Society, who have worked with us to make this deal possible." Director of Rugby Phil Davies added, "Justin is a world class player who will add greatly to the group of players already assembled with his professionalism both on and off the field. We are excited about Justin joining us and wish him all the best for the remainder of his time in New Zealand."

Also speaking for the purposes of the official press release, Marshall himself was full of praise for the set up in New Zealand and his current province, Canterbury: "I have relished the competitive environment in New Zealand at all levels of the game and I have great pride in our country". "Leeds will present new challenges. It's exciting to have the opportunity to set new goals, and compete in a different competition. On a personal level Nicolle and I are looking forward to travelling with our young family,... it's an opportunity to step out of the comfort zone and enjoy new experiences together."

There was some confusion though at the start of the day. Various publications, notably the Times, were betting heavily on Marshall to sign for Newcastle. This was picked up by several rugby websites around the globe, but Sam Wheeler writing in the Yorkshire Post always had the inside track, and the Telegraph also tipped the Tykes to make the signing in this morning's edition. We know now, that Sam was the man who knew!

Other comments on the signing range from Timofe's "FANTASTIC NEWS!" and Trewbear's "Brilliant" to the slightly more cynical Otley Tyke: "well we must not be going down then?????". Simonh was in a more reflective - yet still very positive mood: "Hopefully it'll provide some kind of impetus for the team to get this season back on track to make sure that this incredible signing will make an impact in the ZP next season. It could be just the psychological boost we need." Soft_Centre also added "This is a great signing, not only as a catalyst for the backs to start performing, but he will demand quick quality ball from the forwards and ensure its put to good use. I'm already looking forward to next season".

I'm pretty enthused about it myself. With Marshy to spur on Dicko and McMillan to greater things, here's hoping the scrum-half position is nailed-on quality at Leeds for years to come.....