He’s won a premiership, a rugby league World Cup and is a hero to a generation of kids who grew up practicing flick passes and side steps in their backyard.
Now, Benji Marshall can add Philips Sports Dad of the Year to his impressive list of achievements.
The Wests Tigers veteran is this year’s winner after polling more than 20 per cent of the vote to beat out NRL colleagues Cameron Smith, David Klemmer, Matt Scott, James Maloney and John Sutton, AFL superstars Jack Darling and Scott Pendlebury, NBA superstar Joe Ingles and Test cricketer Matthew Wade.
“I’m very proud and honoured to win the award,” a humble Benji said. “I just want to thank people who supported me and all the other dads.”
Besides winning the title, Benji will donate his $5000 prize to Ronald McDonald House.
“I was in there not long ago and seeing how much they needed to do around the place, and kids doing it tough," he said.
“The work Ronald McDonald House do looking after families that are not from around here is amazing. They help families stay together and close to the care they need when their child is fighting serious illness.
“Now I have a son in Fox, seeing what the families go through and the work Ronald McDonald House does, I think this $5000 can only help add to their facilities and improve people’s quality of life.
“This donation will allow them to keep up the great work.”
