Wests Tigers star Esan Marsters looking to make up for lost time as New Zealand Test looms large

Wests Tigers centre Esan Marsters made his New Zealand debut last year after some standout efforts at club level. This year though, with the big matches looming, he doesn’t think his form is worthy.

Esan Marsters knows he needs to step it up if he’s to play for Kiwis this year.

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Wests Tigers centre Esan Marsters has admitted he isn’t worthy of a New Zealand Test call-up but he has given himself two weeks to rediscover his finest form.

Marsters rose to prominence last season with his Kiwis debut and standout efforts at the Tigers.

The Auckland-born back hasn’t missed a match in 2019 but he isn’t satisfied with his form, especially in defence.

Esan Marsters knows he needs to step it up if he’s to play for Kiwis this year.

Marsters has missed 16 tackles in his 10 games to date.

He believes it is a statistic that could cost him a New Zealand recall unless he can improve his defence in the coming weeks.

The Kiwis take on Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on June 22, meaning Marsters has three NRL games to seal his place in the team.

“I haven’t really been playing well this season, so that could open the door for another player,” Marsters said.

“My defence has always been a big factor for me.

“It is also just how I read the other team. My attack also hasn’t clicked into gear yet but if I can get a few good games in, hopefully I can make that side.”

Marsters’ chances of making the New Zealand team will be boosted by the fact his Tigers coach Michael Maguire is also the Kiwis mentor.

“Madge is out there every week watching me, so he is getting a bit of an insight into how I play,” he said.

“I just really want to put my name forward and hopefully make that Test team.

Esan Marsters takes on the England defence last year.

“Madge just wants me to be a bit more confident in my ability and get my defence right.

“I need to have a few strong performances in the coming weeks to make that New Zealand side.”

Marsters also has benefited from the presence of Benji Marshall, a veteran of 27 Tests for New Zealand.

“Benji has been really good for me,“ he said.

“He is one of our leaders and he has so much influence on the team.

“I am back on the right edge with him again this week, so hopefully we can build that good combo that we had last year.”

The Tigers take on competition leaders South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

The Rabbitohs have won six straight but Marsters said his side doesn’t fear the boys from Redfern.

“We know we are a quality side and we can match those guys,” he said.

“For us it is just being confident in what we produce on the training paddock.

“We still know we have a long way to go as a team.

“We are a side that plays for 77 minutes and for us to become an 80 minute team we need to be more disciplined.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers star Esan Marsters looking to make up for lost time as New Zealand Test looms large