Marshall ignores Folau's advice
Benji Marshall will ignore the advice of fellow Rugby League convert Israel Folau and continue playing at flyhalf for the Blues.
After the Waratahs' 33-12 trial win over the Blues in Sydney on Friday, cross-code superstar Folau encouraged Marshall to make life easier on himself and try his hand at fullback.
In his his debut season last year, Folau said he found fullback to be the ideal position for learning the game and knowing when he should inject himself.
However, even though transitioning from the No.6 of the NRL to rugby's No.10 must rank as one of the toughest assignments a convert could face, Marshall won't be giving up after one uninspiring display.
He directed the Wests Tigers around the field from the age of 18 and played 25 Tests as master and commander for New Zealand.
There were some spectacular days, and plenty of bad ones. But as far as Marshall's concerned, once a general always a general.
"I want a challenge at 10," he told AAP.
"It's been a rapid development considering I was given no chance. I'm happy with where I'm building it.
"(Folau) had some good advice. He thinks I should play fullback but … I like directing the team around.
"The expectation has been massive but you've just got to embrace the expectation and try and get better."
Marshall said he felt less lost against the Waratahs than he did in his first outing against the Hurricanes, with friends and family making him feel back at home.
The 28-year-old said he was guilty of playing too much like a league five-eighth against the Waratahs, and has realised that won't cut it in Super Rugby.
"The biggest thing is having a clear mind to learning new things," he said.
"I really learned (last night) … I feel if I keep learning with every game, that's what it's all about.
"The way we pass in league going to the line and trying to put people through holes … sometimes you've got to be able to pass and then clean rucks out and not fade at the back.
"That's a big habit that I've had. Running and catching the ball instead of standing still. I played a little bit too flat at times."
