Blues coach John Kirwan says rugby league convert Benji Marshall is likely to wear the No 10 jersey in Super Rugby.

The Blues start their pre-season against the Hurricanes next weekend and Kirwan has said that the coaching staff are now likely to hand the 28-year-old the pivot role despite his lack of experience in the 15-man code.

Although Kirwan has openly spoken of his belief that the former Wests Tigers playmaker could develop into a world-class 10, when Marshall first made the move to Auckland the Blues had thoughts of using him as a fullback to give him time to adapt.

Kirwan also said the side will announce their replacement for injured lock Culum Retallick this week.

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