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Live sport on SN this weekend‘He’s a talent’: PJ Marsh backs son to follow in his Warriors footsteps
Sport Nation • August 28th, 2026 9:46 am
Braelan Marsh | Photo: Photosport
Former Warriors hooker PJ Marsh has revealed the emotional impact of returning to the club more than 20 years after his playing days - with his son now forging his own path at the Warriors.
Marsh - who played 35 games for the club from 2002-2004, including their first Grand Final appearance - was surprised by the reception he received from fans when he returned to a Warriors game earlier this year.
“I've never felt more welcome anywhere, probably ever,” Marsh told Sport Nation Afternoons.
“It will always be a special place for myself and my wife. We lived there, we loved it, we made some great friends and it is a special place for us.”
Marsh’s connection with the club has been strengthened further by his eldest son Braelan, who is currently part of the Warriors’ pathways system.
The 19-year-old has been hampered by injuries this season, but his father remains confident he can eventually reach the NRL.
PJ Marsh in action back in 2002 | Photo: Photosport
"He's coming through the grades and I'm sure that one day he'll play in the NRL. He's a talent," Marsh said of his son, who's currently recovering from an ankle injury.
"He's had a few injuries, but he's similar to myself. He's a late developer.
"He is learning from and watching one of the best. I know for a fact that Wayde Egan is one of his favourite players and what an amazing thing that he gets to go to training with him and train against him sometimes.
"I'm very happy that he's in a system like the Warriors system."
Marsh credited the Warriors’ development system for helping his son both on and off the field, saying he “can't fault” the organisation.
Coach Andrew Webster and recruitment boss Andrew McFadden have lifted the club to new heights, embedding the kind of infrastructure he believes will help the team thrive for years to come.
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"I'm sure the whole of New Zealand is still buzzing with everything that is about the Warriors," said Marsh.
"They've built it from the ground up and I think their systems are second to none and they're benefiting and seeing all of the rewards from that now. And I think it's time.
"We might see a lot of tough decisions for the Warriors in the next few years because they're doing such a great job with their development that it's going to be very difficult to hold onto all of these great players that they're sort of developing."
The former Queensland representative also revealed how his own relationship with rugby league changed after retiring at just 29 years old following a serious neck injury.
After initially not wanting his sons to play the game, watching his eldest take the field as a youngster reminded Marsh of what rugby league had given him.
“How could I deny my sons the chance to play the game that I once loved?” he said.
Listen to the full interview below:
