Profile Text
Marshall in 2013, photo by Michelle Cop /Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Benjamin Quentin Marshall
Place of Birth: Whakatane, New Zealand
Date of Birth: 25 February, 1985
Ethnicity: Māori, some English, Scottish, and Irish
Benji Marshall is a New Zealand professional rugby footballer, and coach. A five-eighth and halfback in rugby league, he played for Wests Tigers, which he co-captained; St. George Illawarra, Brisbane Broncos, and South Sydney, and for the New Zealand national team, NRL All Stars, both of which he captained; and Māori All Stars. He coaches Wests Tigers. A fly-half and fullback in rugby union, he played for Blues.
Benji’s mother, Lydia, gave birth to him when she was fifteen. Benji did not know his biological father, a man from Rotorua, New Zealand by the name of Calvin. He was raised by his mother and stepfather Michael Doherty.
Benji is married to Zoe.
Benji is a fourth cousin of journalist Oriini Kaipara , through their shared Biddle ancestors.
Benji’s maternal grandfather was Henry Marshall, Sr. (the son of John Thomas Wilson Marshall and Raiha Pohitere/Poihaitere Biddle). Henry was born in Whakatane, Whakatane District, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. John was born in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, was the son of John Boyd Marshall, who was from Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, and had Scottish ancestry, and of Clara Elizabeth Fogarty, who was also from Tasmania, and was of Irish descent. Benji’s great-grandmother Raiha was the daughter of Tori Ben Biddle, who was of half English and half Māori descent, and of Reihana Tiramate Hakeke, who was Māori.
Benji’s maternal grandmother was Kahira Tiakiwai Turei (the daughter of Tiakiwai Turei and Hinehou Mita Tawera). Kahira was born in Ruatoki, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, and was of Māori background. Hinehou was the daughter of Tawera Moko and Te Rahikoia Te Mataku.
Because of his Scottish heritage, Benji was considered by Scotland Rugby League to represent the country, but he refused the offer.
Sources: Genealogy of Benji Marshall – https://www.geni.com
Genealogy of Benji’s maternal grandfather, Henry Marshall, Sr. (through his own brother) – https://www.wikitree.com
Article about one of Benji’s ancestors, land war hero Benedict Biddle – https://en.wikipedia.org