VETERAN playmaker Benji Marshall says a reported $300,000 contract offer from St George Illawarra made him “chuckle”, and he’s confident he can hold out for more money in 2017.

Fairfax Media reported on Tuesday the 31-year-old halfback has been tabled an extension from the Dragons to the tune of $300,000 — roughly half what he will earn this season.

Marshall is off contract this year and his future remains clouded, with rumours of a return to Wests Tigers and speculation the Dragons are chasing Cooper Cronk’s signature.

Marshall was quizzed about the latest development when he appeared on NRL 360.

Round 19

“I had a bit of a chuckle,” Marshall said when asked how he had responded to the $300,000 sum.

Benji Marshall scores on Monday night. Source: AAP

The former Kiwi Test captain’s current playing contract is thought to be worth more than $600,000 a season.

He’s happy to accept a one-year deal for 2017 but believes his services are worth more than the reported figure.

“I want my footy to do the talking and to say here, this is what I’m worth,” Marshall said.

“I think what I’ve got to offer this year is going to be more than that, and off the field probably adds to that as well, so that’s not in my figure.”

Marshall is in no hurry to shore up his future and says he will wait until round five to sit down with his manager and discuss his options going forward.

He enjoyed a standout 2015 season in which he led the Dally M voting for the first half of the year and steered the Red V to their first finals in four years.

Earlier this week it was reported the Tigers are interested in offering him a contract to bring the 2005 premiership hero home to Concord.

Tigers skipper Aaron Woods told NRL Tonight on Tuesday he would welcome Marshall back with open arms.