New Blues rugby union signing Benji Marshall says he'd prefer to learn the game through training ahead of the 2014 season.
But the Kiwis and Wests Tigers rugby league star says he's happy to play in New Zealand's domestic competition over autumn, even if it means missing the Rugby League World Cup.
Marshall, 28, confirmed on Saturday that he was leaving rugby league to sign with the Blues Super Rugby team for two years.
But he doesn't yet know if he will play in the national provincial championship rugby over autumn.
"I haven't really sat down with the Blues and discussed it. I'm not sure if that's the plan or not," he told Radio Sport.
"For my preference, I'd just like to get into an off-season, pre-season phase and learn through training and video and do as much as I can there before I start playing."
Marshall also didn't rule out the Rugby League World Cup later in the year for the Kiwis, which conflicts with the beginning of Blues pre-season training, though he said there would be no guarantee he'd be selected for the Kiwis.
"To be honest, I don't think my form's been good enough to deserve that spot."
Marshall said he played rugby most of his schoolboy years and would work hard to ensure he mastered the game.
"One thing I can guarantee is that when it comes to training and attitude and stuff, I feel like it's a strong point. I'll do whatever it takes."
