Bring back Benji, but not Taumalolo

New Kiwis coach Michael Maguire needs to ignore Jason Taumalolo but shouldn’t hesitate to return Benji Marshall to New Zealand colours.

Australian Maguire, on something of a charm offensive as you’d expect, was making all the right noises when he was confirmed to replace David Kidwell and charged with returning the Kiwis to the top of the game on the back of their dreadful World Cup.

Every coach wants to have their best players playing for them and Maguire’s olive branch approach to Taumalolo shouldn’t come as any surprise.

But he should hold back on chasing Taumalolo for a couple of reasons.

Taumalolo turned his back on the Kiwis jersey last year and that shouldn’t be forgotten so quickly.

If Maguire is to rebuild the Kiwis culture, then Taumalolo’s defection to Tonga still stings.

But the sport itself needs Maguire to refrain from tempting Taumalolo back into a black-andwhite jersey.

For the sake of credibility Taumalolo needs to remain in the blood red of Tonga. Having players shift willy-nilly from country to country is an embarrassment.

League needs to develop its depth and Taumalolo’s supposed desire to take Tonga to new levels should be as firm today as it was

Now that the opportunity has come, it’s probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

‘‘More than winning premierships or any of that stuff, it’s really at the end of last year when he led them to the World Cup semifinals.

In contrast, former skipper Marshall has been unwavering in his dedication to the Kiwis jersey.

His absence since 2012 has mystified many and raised conspiracy theories.

If it was down to form – as it should be – then Marshall’s resurgence with the Wests Tigers this year shouldn’t be ignored.

In terms of rebuilding this team on and off the field, Maguire could do far worse than select Marshall simply to have him around to inspire.

Marshall’s energy, enthusiasm and unwavering commitment would be a huge positive, particularly given the short timeframe Maguire is operating on to get his squad in shape for the historic altitude test against England in Denver on June 23.

It’s a time for wise old heads as much as it is for some bright new talent.

Marshall has shown that in his move back to the Tigers from Brisbane and the formula has also worked at the Warriors where many people questioned the sense of signing the likes of Adam Blair and Blake Green so late in their careers.

These are guys who provide the glue to bind teams in transition.

Maguire is a proven coach, a guy who knows how to win titles as he has shown in England and Australia. That was a key ingredient to him getting this international position as the Kiwis seek to return to winning ways.

But first we wait to see what sort of a selector Maguire is.

put things into perspective.

‘‘I had a period where I focused on footy so hard and thought footy was everything, but having a baby throws that out the door.’’