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Sad truth emerges about Benji Marshall's NRL farewell

Benji Marshall (pictured) speaks to the crowd after playing in his last game for the Tigers.
Benji Marshall (pictured) addresses the crowd after playing in his last game for the Tigers. (Getty Images)

Benji Marshall played his final game for the Wests Tigers on Saturday night, but his farewell was apparently not as amicable as it was made out.

Marshall's last game for the Tigers was marred by injury on Saturday night, as medial damage in his knee and broken ribs saw him last just 18 minutes.

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The 28-24 loss to Parramatta also doubled as Chris Lawrence's final game before retirement, while Elijah Taylor has previously revealed he won't be kept at the club.

But following the loss, players applauded Marshall and Lawrence as they departed the field.

Lawrence was pictured with his family as he celebrated his time at the club.

But Marshall reportedly declined to have his family join him after left hurt with the club when he found out he would not be playing past the 2020 season with the Tigers through the media, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Marshal therefore rejected to have his wife Zoe and son on the field, hoping this wouldn’t be his final NRL game.

Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence thank fans after playing their last game for the Tigers.
Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence thank fans after playing their last game for the Tigers. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I’ve really set my mind towards playing again,” Marshal said on Fox League.

“You’re a long time retired and I just feel like I still have something to offer and I’m still enjoying everyday.

“I actually thought this was one of my best years attacking wise. I’m trying to sell myself here. How am I going?”

It would be an unfortunate ending for the 324-game veteran to have departed his final game on an injury, if no other club picks up the great.

Tigers let go a host of players

The Tigers also announced on Saturday night that Matt Eisenhuth, Dylan Smith, Robert Jennings and Oliver Clark would also not be re-signed.

None of the players have been picked up by other clubs so far.

Harry Grant's loan from Melbourne has also expired as the Storm wait on a call on Cameron Smith's future.

Chris Lawrence and Benji Marshall pose with team mates after playing their last game for the Tigers.
Chris Lawrence and Benji Marshall pose with team mates after playing their last game for the Tigers. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

It comes after the joint-venture released Corey Thompson and Chris McQueen earlier this year.

"We've got a few changes with those boys ... and that happens every year with a club," Maguire said.

"They have put a lot into the Wests Tigers club.

"Once you are a Wests Tigers player you are always a Wests Tigers player. Those boys are always welcomed back."

with AAP

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