Benji Marshall YouTube video draws ire of Wests Tigers fans Benji Marshall announces via YouTube that he is joining the Blues. THERE is pressure on Wests Tigers officials to dump code-hopping Benji Marshall to the NSW Cup for the rest of the season as irate fans continue to vent their anger. The backlash emerged Saturday after Marshall took the bizarre step of formally announcing his decision to quit the Wests Tigers via a video message while wearing an Auckland Blues Super 15 rugby jersey. What rankles most with Tigers fans is that he took the step while still being contracted to the club. The publicity stunt came as a total shock to Wests Tigers management, which led to disappointed chief executive Grant Mayer firing off an angry text message to Marshall's manager Martin Tauber. "I understand his excitement about signing a new contract, but I'm sure if he had his time again he would've thought about donning another code's jersey while he's still under contract at the Tigers," Mayer told The Sunday Telegraph. The video message was released via the Super Rugby club's YouTube channel just before 9am. It came only 12 hours after the Wests Tigers had slumped to their 14th loss of the season - this latest defeat against cellar dwellers Parramatta. In the 60-second message, Marshall is seen wearing his new Auckland Blues jumper, which he will wear for the next two seasons on a deal worth $1 million. NRL officials were also angered by the announcement, which was nothing more than a major promotional tool for the rival code. The sight of the Tigers star wearing a rival club and code's jersey while still being under contract roused immediate comparisons to Craig Wing. In June 2007, Wing pulled on a South Sydney jersey and conducted a press conference while still contracted to the Sydney Roosters. Anthony Mundine performed a similar stunt when he signed with the Brisbane Broncos while still playing for St George in 1996, while more recently NBA star LeBron James sent the US into meltdown when he announced on national television his move from Cleveland to Miami. It wasn't only the timing of the announcement and the sight of Marshall in a rival jersey that raised the ire of Tigers officials and fans, but also his failure to deliver a promise to give his all for the club for the remaining five matches of the season. "You know, it's been a sad time leaving the Tigers and on that note I'd like to thank all my fans, not only from the Wests Tigers but from rugby league in general for all the support throughout the last 11 years of playing in the NRL," Marshall said. To all the people back home who support the Blues and rugby union in general, I just want to say how happy and excited I am to come home. I'm really looking forward to hopefully bringing a title to the Blues and hopefully maybe one day represent the All Blacks. So to everyone out there, I'm really excited I hope you guys are, too. Can't wait to see you guys next year. Former Balmain legend Steve Roach said the club needed to make a call on Marshall playing a part in the final five matches of the season - and if not, they should blood rising stars Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses in preparation for next season. "If he's playing well, then pick him, but if he's not then stick the next best kids in there," Roach said. They can't do any worse. At least if you do give the kids a run they'll know what they're up against and also give them a carrot for the pre-season. Angry fans took to social media and supporter forums to vent their frustration over Marshall's announcement. The announcement also allowed Blues coach John Kirwan to promote the Super 15 franchise. He admitted that Marshall's signature would come with some scrutiny. "It's going to be really tough for him," Kirwan said. He will be scrutinised by everyone and he's not going to do it (on) day one.