Kiwi NRL legend Benji Marshall has announced his retirement from the rugby league.

The 36-year-old was part of the Souths squad that lost to Penrith in Sunday’s grand final and announced his decision to end his career at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Marshall retires as one of New Zealand’s greatest players, amassing 31 caps for the Kiwis, leading them to the 2008 World Cup title and captain of the national team between 2008 and 2012.

“I started my journey in the rugby league as a little boy in Whakatane chasing a dream and I will leave this game as an adult who has learned a lot of life lessons and I think I have become a pretty good one. person, ”Marshall said.

“I feel privileged and honored (for) what the game has given me, the life I’ve been able to live, 19 seasons in the NRL. It’s been a long time for me.

“I want to thank the NRL for allowing me to be a part of this great game.”

An emotional Marshall eloquently delivered his retirement speech, thanking everyone who had helped him throughout his career.

But he briefly broke down in tears as he thanked his Rabbitoh teammates for attending the press conference to bid him farewell.

“I just want to thank everyone for coming, especially the boys,” Marshall said as his voice cracked.

“One thing about professional sports is that you play for your friends and you don’t want to let yourself down.

“So seeing you all boys today, I really appreciate that. “

Marshall also joked that he had reviewed some of his spectacular pieces during his career.

“I was looking back on some highlights from this morning and I did some good things,” he said.

“From a flashy young boy doing all these weird things to a man who had this opportunity, I feel really lucky.”

The New Zealand Rugby League paid tribute to Marshall following the announcement, calling the former Kiwi captain “one of the greats who inspired countless Kiwi children and changed our game for the better. “.

Marshall made his freshman debut for the Wests Tigers in 2003 and led them to premier in 2005. He left the league to play rugby, then made short stints with St George and Brisbane after his return. in the NRL.

He returned to his spiritual home in Concord, but Marshall’s hopes of ending his career with the Tigers were dashed when he was told he was no longer wanted at the end of last season.

Still feeling he had something to offer, Marshall was on the hunt for a new club, but it wasn’t until he called Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett – who had coached him for the Broncos – that he ‘he was given a lifeline and an opportunity to play in 2021.

Marshall has been off the bench a lot this season and has been used to plug holes in the halves whenever there was injury or a suspension. However, he didn’t get the fairytale sendoff he deserved as Penrith beat Souths by two points in a biting season finale.