Benji Marshall open to Kiwi Test swan song if opportunity pops up
Benji Marshall’s stellar international career could have another chapter, with the Wests Tigers veteran revealing he is open to a New Zealand swan song before retiring.
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Benji Marshall’s stellar international career could have another chapter, with the Wests Tigers veteran revealing he is open to a New Zealand swan song before retiring.
Marshall hasn’t played for the Kiwis since 2012 but he says he still has an itch to don his nation’s colours.
A calf injury forced him to knock back an offer from New Zealand and Tigers coach Michael Maguire to play for his country during last year’s season-ending tour of England.
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And while a humble Marshall believes it “wouldn’t be right” to select him over players like Kodi Nikorima and Shaun Johnson, he won’t say no if Maguire comes calling with a Test call-up.
New Zealand host Tonga in the 2019 Oceania Cup at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on June 22 before a clash against Australia at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on October 25.
The Kiwis also have two clashes against the touring Great Britain Lions pencilled in for Eden Park and Christchurch on November 2 and 9.
These fixtures could provide Marshall with the perfect farewell to the Test arena.
“The thing I’ve always said is that I’ll never say no to wearing the black jumper,” Marshall told The Daily Telegraph.
“But there is a World Cup year coming up in 2021 and we probably need to start deciding on combinations for that.
“There are a few guys in contention for that. Kieran (Foran) has been back, Shaun (Johnson) Kodi Nikorima, Te Maire Martin and even Dylan Brown.
“There are a lot of Kiwi halves that are going pretty good.
“If I was Madge I would probably be looking to the future but if I got the call up I’d never say no.”
Marshall is also open to a coaching role with New Zealand when he officially decides to hang up his boots.
He has spoken to Maguire about the possibility of joining the Kiwi ranks in some capacity.
In the meantime, though, Marshall is fixated on finishing his NRL career on a high at the Tigers.
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“The hard thing for me is I don’t want to put all my eggs into focusing on the future when I’m still playing,” he said.
“I just want to enjoy this year playing. I’ve signed with Fox Sports for two years, so at least at the end of my year I’ll have that if I decide to hang up the boots.”
Marshall is edging closer to a comeback after hurting his hamstring against Canterbury in round 3.
He considered playing against Parramatta on Easter Monday but after consultation with the Tigers coaching staff he decided to wait another week to regain full fitness.
Regardless, Marshall believes he doesn’t deserve to start at five-eighth in front of the in-form Josh Reynolds.
“I think Josh has earned his position and is doing really good things for the team,” he said.
“It’s about doing what is best for the team and at the moment I think that is selecting him.
“Of course we both want to be playing but if we don’t play we are not the types to go and sook or kick stones.
“If I have to spend a bit of time in reserve grade or on the bench then that is just what it is.
“Josh is one of those players who gives so much energy and that he makes players around him left to his level.
“I’m really happy for him. We are pretty close. Given our situation it could be awkward and tense but we’ve got each other’s back.”
Originally published as Benji Marshall open to Kiwi Test swan song if opportunity pops up
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