"It'll definitely be poignant," said Marshall. "It's crazy to think it was five years ago, it feels like it was last week!
"Remembering Nevin and the tragedy of him, his brother and his dad losing their lives, it's poignant no matter what time of the year, whether it's the anniversary or not.
"It will be emotional, but we have to respect the Scarlets and put our minds on the game, and not let it affect us team-wise."
Indeed, that will be the mindset of the entire squad ahead of what is likely to be a full-blooded affair. The Llanelli-based outfit are one of two sides, along with Munster, to come away from Belfast with wins in the last two years, and have started this campaign in much the same fashion to how finished last season.
Ulster was made to work for its 14-21 win in Treviso last weekend, and Marshall knows his side will have to be at their best to beat the form team in the Championship.
"It's a challenge," says Marshall. "We know most people will have us as underdogs, they've two bonus point wins from their opening two games and they're defending champions. You just have look at their squad and the quality they have, in the backline particularly, to get an idea of what to expect.
"We're looking forward to it. We have a point to prove as people are probably doubting us. We need to prove them wrong and go out and get a result."