BENJI Marshall says he is prepared to do whatever it takes to make his return to the NRL with St George Illawarra a successful one, even if that means playing reserve grade.

On Friday, Marshall finally agreed to a two-and-a-half year deal believed to be worth just over $1 million.

DRAGONS GAMBLE $1.1 MILLION ON BENJI

Having returned to the game which made him a household name following a short lived stint in rugby, Marshall says he is committed to making his return a success.

“My main priority has to be playing good on the field and performing week in week out,” Marshall said at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

“If that takes two weeks, three weeks, or whether I have to play reserve grade or whatever. I’m willing to do what it takes.”

media_camera Benji Marshall with Steve Price and Peter Doust.

Marshall informed the Dragons of his decision just after 3pm on Friday afternoon with the club later holding a press conference to formally announce the news shortly after.

Dragons coach Steve Price said he believes the former Kiwi international will provide an exciting dimension to the existing playing roster.

media_camera Benji Marshall speaks to the media.

“Benji is a quality player who I believe will bring that real “x-factor”, especially in our attack,” Price said.

“I have met with him a couple of times, he is a very proud man who wasn’t happy with how his rugby league career ended and is really determined to make the most of his second chance in rugby league.

“He is a winner, a senior player who will be a great fit for our squad.”

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Marshall acknowledged the pressure associated with his return to the game but excited by the challenge of having to earn his place in the side.

“I’m very excited to be back in the NRL and grateful to the Dragons for the opportunity to represent this great club,” said Marshall.

“To me, the Dragons are a team on the rise which I am very keen to be a part of. I’m looking forward to meeting all the boys and getting back into training and try to earn a spot in the team.”

media_camera How Benji Marshall shapes up in a Dragons jersey.

By linking with the Dragons, Marshall ignored the opportunity to join Cronulla where the majority of his ex-Wests Tigers teammates now play.

“We made Benji a very good offer and are disappointed he won’t be joining our club,” Sharks CEO Steve Noyce said.

WHY BENJI IS A GOOD FIT FOR THE DRAGONS

“We have strong values surrounding mateship here at the Sharks and with a collection of his good friends at the club thought that may have swayed him. As it turned out that obviously wasn’t the priority for him with his final decision. We can accept that and we wish him well.”

Noyce went on to explain, while he would certainly have complemented the current playing group, he is confident the Sharks possess more than capable personnel to cover for Marshall not joining the Cronulla club.

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“It must be said in Todd Carney, who is on a long-term contract here, and Jeff Robson who has been terrific for us this year, along with others we have coming through our lower grades, we certainly have quality players in the halves and confidence in their ability to do the job for us,” Noyce said.

Dragons legend and Fox Sports commentator Mark Gasnier said his old team were a good fit for Marshall although stressed it would take time for the five-eighth to gel with his new teammates.

“The reason I say it is a good signing is mainly because of Benji’s attitude. He’s said all the right things, hopefully he meant it. I don’t expect a whole heap from him this year but I think after a good pre-season under his belt, I expect him to play really well.”

Benji joins Dragons

Signing through to the end of the 2016 season, Gasnier expected the Dragons deal to be the last contract the 29-year-old would sign.

“You would assume that (deal) will see him out,” he said.

“It’s good for him because he can build towards peak form and the club can plan to build a roster knowing they’ve got some key positions sown up.”

media_camera Benji Marshall who has signed with St George Illawarra.

When asked how long he thought it would take for Marshall to play in Dragons colours Gasnier said it all came down to his current fitness levels.

“I know when I got back from France I started training with (club physio) Andrew Grey really early. The reality of it is you can’t beat game time. Until he gets a good eight or nine games under his belt he’ll be judged after that.”

Despite playing alongside the likes of Gareth Widdop, Josh Dugan, Brett Morris and Ben Creagh who have a wealth of big game experience, Gasnier says the lofty pressure of playing in the Red V will still weigh on Marshall.

media_camera Benji Marshall will return to the Dragons in the famous Red V strip of St George Illawarra.

“Trust me the Dragons come with a lot of pressure,” he said. “It’s a proud club, historical and successful most of all. The thing I like about it is he brings a sense of the unpredictable.

“The senior players will drum it in his head to get rid of the errors, to find the right balance and then hopefully he doesn’t over play his hand.”

With Marshall traditionally a roaming player who plays at his best when off-the-cuff, Gasnier hopes the failed rugby convert and playmaker Widdop can find their balance in the halves.

“Hopefully he’s happy to play right side because obviously Gareth Widdop will play left side and control that side,” he said.

“Hopefully they two-pass to each other a lot but he will generally control the right side.”

Marshall announced on Easter Monday that he was returning to the NRL, after failing to make the grade in his switch to rugby union with Super Rugby’s Blues.