Benji’s learned from the past
Benji Marshall says he’s learned from his mistakes since last leading the Kiwis, and the veteran playmaker’s direction will be crucial against Australia as New Zealand look to overcome the loss of some serious grunt upfront.
Marshall will cap off a remarkable return to the black-and-white jersey this year when he captains his country for the first time since 2012 in Wollongong tonight.
After last year’s upset in Auckland, Michael Maguire’s side is aiming for rare back-to-back wins over the Kangaroos. However, it will have to do so without two of its most feared enforcers in Jesse Bromwich (injury) and Nelson Asofa-solomona (suspension), while aggressive Panthers forward James Fisher-harris is also injured.
The Kiwis will still trot out a veteran front-row with Leeson Ah Mau elevated to the starting side alongside Jared Waerea-hargreaves, with Adam Blair at lock.
But it’s on the interchange where they are light on test experience, Maguire turning to the rookie trio of Zane Tetevano, Braden Hamlin-uele and Corey Harawira-naera to maintain the rage off the bench.
The Kangaroos had an injury concern with powerhouse prop Josh Papalii carrying a sternum injury, although he was cleared to play yesterday.
Joined by the likes of David Klemmer, Jake Trbojevic, Paul Vaughan and boom youngster Payne Haas, they have no shortage of firepower in the middle, where the battle for dominance becomes even more important in the test arena.
‘‘We’re a group that’s not about one individual, it’s about the team, and we’ve selected players in good form. They’re coming in to do their job, that’s how we overcome it,’’ Maguire said of his new forwards.
The only other player on debut for the Kiwis is Charnze Nicollklokstad, rewarded for a breakthrough season at fullback with Canberra.
The 24-year-old played an integral role in the Raiders’ grand final run, although his selection at centre could be a risk given his lack of experience in the position, not that Maguire views it that way.
Having only ended his international exile against Tonga in June, Marshall will lead the Kiwis for a record 20th time, going ahead of former halfback Gary Freeman, after stepping in for the injured Dallin Watenezelezniak.
The 34-year-old first captained New Zealand against England during the 2008 World Cup before taking the role on a permanent basis the following year.
He led the Kiwis to the 2010 Four Nations crown but with the luxury of hindsight, Marshall admitted to struggling with the responsibility at times and
ultimately fell out of favour of then-coach Stephen Kearney from 2012.
His renaissance at the Wests Tigers has been one of the NRL’S feel-good stories over the past two years.
And just like he’s become a more measured and controlled player with ball in hand, Marshall says his leadership has also matured.
‘‘Age is probably a big part of it, [I’m] a lot older, a lot more experienced in terms of what
being a good leader takes and leading by example,’’ Marshall said. ‘‘I just feel like I’m in a really good place.’’
Meanwhile, the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns will wear black armbands tonight to pay tribute to former New Zealand international Mike Mcclennan.
Mcclennan, the father of exkiwis coach Brian, went missing from his rest home last week. A body, believed to be that of the 75-year-old, was found in north Auckland on Tuesday.