As revealed by Fairfax Media, Marshall has been dropped from St George Illawarra's side to take on Parramatta on Monday night for what will be the final league clash at Pirtek Stadium before it is demolished and redeveloped. The former Kiwi international will make way for Drew Hutchison, who has made just three first-grade appearances.

Had Marshall been asked to front up in the NSW Intrust Super Premiership, he would have been the biggest name to play for the Cutters since Wendell Sailor worked his way through the grades under Wayne Bennett. But Marshall won't be forced to play against the Wyong Roos at Morry Breen Oval on Saturday afternoon after striking a deal with coach Paul McGregor.

While Marshall will make way for Hutchison against the Eels, he will be recalled to first-grade for the final-round clash with Newcastle. Given the Red V won't be handing Marshall a contract extension, the Knights fixture will be his farewell game for the club.

But Marshall's agent Mario Tartak believes that won't be the last we see of him at NRL level.

"We're of the belief that Benji has some good football in front of him, he has still got that hunger to play at the highest level," Tartak said.

"There has been no talk of retirement, we're exploring our options. Benji is still keen to go out on his terms and we're still hopeful there will be an opportunity for that to happen."

When issuing their Tuesday team list, the Dragons stated that Marshall had been "rested", while Tim Lafai has been recalled to the top squad for the first time since he and teammate Siliva Havili were involved in an altercation in Wollongong that resulted in them being charged with affray and offensive behaviour. Russell Packer will be absent after scheduling shoulder surgery on Monday, while centre Taane Milne is suspended after taking the early plea to a dangerous grade-one throw.

McGregor was mindful of not tarnishing Marshall's legacy and sought his permission before dropping him for a week. The 31 year old admitted the prospect of not having a club to go to for 2017 was "scary".

"It's a position I haven't been in before and it's something I'm nervous about, the routine of not being a footballer if I have to retire is a bit scary," Marshall told NRL 360 on Fox Sports.

"Where I'm at with my family, England is probably out of the question.

"I think I've [still] got a lot to offer."

Marshall was confident of recapturing his best form if given an opportunity in his preferred position of pivot.

"I was thinking the other day about what's hurt me the most. I'm not a halfback but I have the ability to play halfback," he said.

"That's not my strongest position, I'm a running five-eighth, no doubt about that. But because I have the ability to control game plans and control the team, it's sort of put me in a hard place where I've been put into a team with that role and not have a halfback to do that for me and play my natural game."

The axing of Marshall, for the first time in his decorated rugby league career, remains the biggest talking point.

"Benji has a great amount of respect for Paul McGregor and he appreciates his honesty," Tartak said.

"By his own admission, Benji would be the first to say that his form hasn't been up to his usually high standards. It hasn't helped that he's had some hamstring problems and it's made it difficult to gain any continuity this year.

"The coach made a tough call and we don't have any issues with that, he has been upfront and honest.

"Benji is thankful the Dragons gave him the opportunity to return to league and he will be cheering for them against Parramatta on Monday night. With Benji, it's all about the team and he will be the first to help out Drew Hutchison if he wanted any advice."

Marshall has copped most of the criticism for St George Illawarra's inability to score points. But with the Golden Boot winner gone the pressure will be on halves partner Gareth Widdop to lift his form. The Dragons skipper has struggled to consistently reproduce the form he displayed while at Melbourne and will be expected to provide support to Hutchison in what will be the Albion Park junior's fourth first-grade game.

There is also uncertainty about the future of hooker Mitch Rein, who has been told he won't be at the club next year. Rein was informed he would need to take a sizeable pay cut if he wanted to remain in the red and white. But negotiations between the club and his management have broken down, with unwanted Rooster Jackson Hastings and Rabbitohs hooker Cameron McInnes considered as possible replacements.