The race to sign Benji Marshall is down to Cronulla and Melbourne after the former Wests Tigers superstar rejected approaches from three other clubs.

Marshall has also ruled out any possibility of a short stint in Super League with Salford, which is believed to somehow be linked to the Sharks bid to sign him.

Returning to the NRL: Benji Marshall. Credit:Anthony Johnson

The former Kiwis captain flew back to Auckland on Sunday after a three-day trip to Sydney in which he spoke to Cronulla and Storm officials.

He also visited friends in Wollongong last Thursday night, but that was unrelated to any interest the Dragons had in signing him and he has since ruled out joining the joint-venture club.