I was caught in Cross fire, says Benji

WESTS TIGERS star Benji Marshall yesterday denied he had done anything wrong after the NRL's latest Kings Cross nightclub incident, claiming he was targeted and provoked by a patron.

The five-eighth said he had not thrown any punches and was later cleared of any wrongdoing by police after an altercation in the Sapphire Lounge nightclub.

"I did nothing," Marshall said. "I was provoked, the police investigated the incident, and they cleared me. If I did anything, it was in self-defence, to push the individual away and protect myself. I didn't try to instigate anything, and I certainly didn't throw a punch."

Marshall was at the nightspot with friends following the Tigers' 44-6 loss to Parramatta when the incident occurred, sparking another altercation with security outside the venue, which led to police taking three men away from the area but making no arrests.

"I was there for a private party," Marshall said in a statement. "I was provoked, and after the incident, the bouncers threw him out. The police came, and as part of their investigation, they interviewed me, but I had no case to answer. They cleared me of any wrong-doing. They looked at the [CCTV] footage and they said 'you've got nothing to answer for'."

Police have backed up Marshall's view of the events, the latest in a string of incidents in the notorious nightclub district. A Kings Cross police source said after the man was kicked out of the venue, which is popular among footballers, he abused security staff and police officers outside, claiming the Kiwi international had assaulted him.

"The officers looked at CCTV footage and found no assault had taken place," the source said, adding no charge was laid for making a false claim. "There are lots of drunks who do this all the time."

A member of the public tried to sell photographs of the altercation to the Herald yesterday. It was even suggested the altercation might have been started deliberately for the benefit of the camera.

"[Marshall] has not made any complaint so the investigation is finished at this stage, but I can see how that [staged fight] could happen - a lot of footballers do socialise here," the officer said. Police are believed to be treating the playmaker as a victim, with a statement confirming three men - and not Marshall - had been removed from the area after verbal altercations inside and outside the venue.

Marshall's manager, Martin Tauber, said his client was devastated over the incident - not the first for the 23-year-old, who has been targeted previously by members of the public.

"He's a young man, no different to any of the other athletes," Tauber said. "They're entitled to a social life. They're entitled to enjoy themselves publicly, without being continually harassed by somebody, whether it's publicity-seeking or trying to make a name for themselves.

"I've been with him and it's crazy sometimes. They've got a life to live. Give them the opportunity to do that. Yes, they're in the public eye, but these kids try and do the right thing."

Marshall had seen several Parramatta players earlier in the evening, although they told Eels officials they were not at the Sapphire Lounge at the time of the incident, nor did they witness it.

The nightspot's general manager, former Wests Tigers player Hassan Saleh, saw the stoush and was adamant Marshall was blameless.

"I've spoken to [Tigers chief executive] Steve Noyce," Saleh said. "Nothing really happened. He's done nothing wrong. He's got nothing to answer for. A bloke just tried to start a fight. People just chase stories about footballers. It's all hearsay. I used to get away with murder, but now you can't get away with anything. But Benji's got nothing to worry about."

Noyce said: "He came up to see me and said after the game, there was an incident at the place he was at … As a club, we take all these things seriously."

The incident will lead to speculation that another of the game's biggest stars will become disillusioned with the sport, and may quit the NRL. Former Penrith halfback Craig Gower is playing rugby union in France, while St George Illawarra star Mark Gasnier is considering joining him. Both have been at the centre of several much-publicised off-field incidents.

But Tauber hoped Marshall would sign a lifetime contract with the Tigers.

"He still wants to prove himself. He's a very gifted athlete," Tauber said.

"…He's got no interest in changing codes. He's not going anywhere."