Cleary backing Marshall for Kiwis

Reborn Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall deserves to be in the running for selection in New Zealand’s test in Denver, according to club coach Ivan Cleary.

Marshall has wound back the clock with a string of vintage performances to help the Tigers to five wins from their opening six matches of the season.

Asked what he thought of Marshall’s selection chances for the Kiwis in June, Cleary said: ‘‘You’d think they’d have to be fairly good.

‘‘I’m not picking the team, but he’s certainly experienced and passionate about the Kiwis. And he’s playing well. If he keeps that up, surely he’d have to be in the running there somewhere.’’

Cleary also admitted the club has yet to enter discussions with the 2005 premiership winner on possibly extending a contract that expires at the end of the season.

He said Marshall had regained confidence following a challenging period in his career that began with his messy split with the Tigers in 2013 and involved stints in rugby, St George Illawarra and Brisbane.

Cleary said it was difficult to predict how long Marshall could play on for.

‘‘He’s also at that time in his career, that age, where it’s hard to forecast,’’ he said.

‘‘As long as you’re feeling good about training, want to turn up each day and make the sacrifices you need to be able to make to play well on the weekends, there’s no reason why he couldn’t keep going.’’

With big-money signing Josh Reynolds this week ruled out for up to a month with a shoulder injury, Tigers officials are set to get an extended look at Marshall in the halves.

Marshall hasn’t given up hope of wearing the Kiwi jumper one last time before hanging up his boots.

On form, he is undoubtedly the leading contender to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves for the mid-year test against England in the US. Kieran Foran has shown glimpses for new club Canterbury but is yet to hit his straps, Brisbane’s Kodi Nikorima appears down on confidence, while Te Maire Martin is toiling off the bench in North Queensland.

Much will depend on who takes over from ex-coach David Kidwell, who had chosen not to reapply for his position after New Zealand’s World Cup failure, and whether the new mentor wants immediate success or has an eye on the future.