Nikau rejects Benji comeback
Former Kiwis captain Benji Marshall’s hopes of making an international comeback have been dashed with New Zealand test selector Tawera Nikau confirming the Broncos utility won’t be considered for the upcoming World Cup.
Marshall has been a strong performer for Brisbane in recent weeks but the 32-year-old has been relegated to the interchange bench ahead of tonight’s NRL grand final qualifier against Melbourne at AAMI Park, with Kiwis test rookie Kodi Nikorima preferred in the Broncos No 7 jersey.
Marshall last week expressed his desire to pull on the black jersey once again but Nikau ruled any chance of a comeback out, reiterating the point that the Kiwis had moved on since he last played for New Zealand in 2012.
“Benji’s been one of those players that’s been outstanding and contributed to the game immensely over the years, but if you read between the lines with the process that we’ve done over the last couple of years with the likes of Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran, Te Maire Martin and Kodi Nikorima — those are the players that we’re focusing on for the future,” Nikau told the Herald.
“An article even came out during the week in Australia with Benji saying ‘Pick Kodi before me’ with the Broncos.
“So when you think about those things, are we putting someone in there that’s just going to do that or are we putting someone in there that’s going to have input in the future.”
The Kiwis’ first choice halves pairing of Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran are expected to be fully fit for the Kiwis campaign, after both players missed the Warriors last-round defeat to Wests Tigers with knee and back injuries respectively.
Foran is back in Sydney ahead of his move to the Bulldogs next season, spending time with his two children and family while recovering after a frustrating season with the Warriors.
“[Kiwis coach] David’s [Kidwell] spoken to them both over the last couple of weeks and the general consensus is they’ll be raring to go,” said Nikau.
The Kiwis face Samoa in their World Cup opener at Mt Smart Stadium on October 28.
Seize the day. That’s Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy’s directive to his players as the Storm contemplate the post-Cooper Cronk era.
The masterful Queensland and Australian halfback will run out for his final home game at AAMI Park tonight.
The 33-year-old is poised to either retire or move to a Sydney club following the 2017 season to be closer to his NSW-based fiancee.
Veteran fullback Billy Slater’s future remains up in the air as he weighs whether to play on while Tohu Harris (to Warriors) and Jordan McLean will also depart in the off-season.
It marks the end of an era in the Victorian capital with the “big three” of Cronk, Slater and Cameron Smith to break up after sharing a remarkable club partnership over the past 14 years.
Bellamy has told his minor premiers to embrace the chance they’ve created with no guarantees it will come around again any time soon.
“It’s more the opportunity — these guys have created a great opportunity for themselves this year. Now’s the time to take advantage of that opportunity.
“Without putting pressure on the group, you don’t get these opportunities often and you want to take them.”