The rugby league community is celebrating a great of the game, after Benji Marshall announced his retirement.

After 19 seasons, 346 games in the NRL, a World Cup, and a Premiership, the 36-year-old today confirmed he’s hanging up his boots.

NSW Blues coach Brad ‘Freddy’ Fittler hailed Marshall as an inspirational figure, “captivating” many aspiring young players over the years.

“There was some times there where he was just brilliant, but he’s left as big a mark on the game as anyone,” he told Mark Levy.

Press PLAY below to hear Freddy’s comments in full

Despite ending his career at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Benji Marshall’s name has become synonymous with the Wests Tigers.

Fellow Tigers great and close friend of Marshall’s Robbie Farah told Mark and Freddy the star has changed enormously over almost two decades.

“He came in at a young age and … he was a rockstar from day one.

“For him to go on now and, in my opinion, be the greatest New Zealander ever to play our game, is just remarkable.”

Asked to pick his most impressive Marshall moment, Farah made an unconventional choice.

“The best thing I’ve ever seen him do, I remember we played the Eels … [in] ’09…”

Press PLAY below to hear Robbie Farah’s reflections

Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images