Brisbane second-row forward Alex Glenn says Benji Marshall will be in the Broncos' best 17 come Round 1 of the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership season, with the Kiwi international expecting Marshall to slot into the centres following the retirement of Jack Reed.
Marshall is set to join Brisbane after coach Wayne Bennett offered the St George Illawarra discard a lifeline following a poor 2016 season.
The 31-year-old fell out of favour at the Dragons in 2016, bearing the brunt of much of the criticism directed at the club after their disappointing 11th-placed finish.
With his career at the crossroads, Marshall went to a man who has saved the careers of many troubled NRL stars – Bennett.
Once the NRL ratifies Marshall's deal he will arrive at Red Hill for day one of pre-season training, relieved to be still playing but unsure of his standing in the Broncos' squad.
A New Zealand international teammate of his in the past, Glenn said it wouldn't take Marshall long to show his worth and justify Bennett's decision to give him another chance.
"I think he will be in our best 17. He still has the skill set to be a force in the NRL," Glenn said.
"He has the passion and desire to make it. I'm sure he will rip straight into training because he will be out to impress his new club.
"I think he'll be good in the centres. He has a lot to give in that position. He is strong in both attack and defence.
"It'll be a great pre-season so we'll just have to see where he ends up. He'll fit into the club culture very well.
"Benji's been in the game for a long time and he's done nothing but positive things for rugby league."
A move from the halves to the centres looks to be the most obvious fit for Marshall at the Broncos, with his experience invaluable to Brisbane's young backline.
For Glenn this is the most important aspect of Marshall's impending arrival at the Broncos, with up-and-coming backs Tom Opacic, Jonus Pearson and Tautau Moga set to benefit hugely from the tutelage of the 2005 premiership winner.
"I was surprised when I heard he was coming up to Brisbane, but I was also excited at the same time," Glenn said.
"I've been privileged to play with him at a representative level so I know how good he can be and how much of a leader he is.
"He'll give a lot of guidance to some of younger players and he'll be a great mentor for the team.
"He has a lot of experience. He's basically done it all. It'll be great to run out in a Broncos jersey with him."
