He has opted for Marco Rojas, Shane Smeltz and Kosta Barbarouses up front - the combination that worked so well against Honduras and El Salvador - meaning Killen would have missed out.
"Chris is good on the ball and has a good presence," Herbert said. "Could he be somebody who could fill that role for the next two years for us while we bring a player through?"
It's an important two years, with today's game marking the start of NZ's next World Cup campaign.
They need only finish in the top four of the eight teams in Honiara to qualify for the next round - the top four will play each other on a home-and-away basis to find the Oceania champion, who will then play the fourth-best side from Concacaf for a spot in Brazil in 2014 - but want to win to qualify directly for next year's Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Killen was part of the 2010 team and, like the rest involved, received his World Cup ring from the New Zealand high commissioner in Honiara on the eve of the tournament.
He has a little experience playing in a more defensive role, occasionally having played at centre back for his club side in China, and can see the log jam of strikers in the NZ side.
"It will be something different and something exciting," he said. "We have a good bunch of young, exciting, attacking players in my position and I wouldn't want to be standing up there and holding them back. And if they can benefit the team better than I can then so be it, I will play somewhere else.
"As you get older, your mind works a bit better but your legs don't. I am only 30 and still have plenty of energy in the tank but certain players like me have always been told you will slowly head back and become a defensive player. I ... didn't want to believe it but I'm just happy to play.
"I love scoring goals but I would rather be playing defensive midfield or in defence than watching on the sidelines. It's an opportunity to play and I will take it."
The All Whites will play five games in nine days, putting considerable pressure on players in the hot and humid conditions. Despite this, Herbert signalled he won't tinker with the side too much because every team they come up against needed to be respected.
The tournament will take its toll, with injuries and suspensions to be expected, but NZ are the strongest side at the tournament and the one with the best depth.
Ivan Vicelich will remain in the middle of a back three alongside captain Tommy Smith and Ben Sigmund.
Vicelich would probably have played in central midfield had Winston Reid not been injured and still could later in the tournament. Aaron Clapham, who played the holding role in the 1-0 win over Honduras, is another option, with Michael Boxall.
All Whites: Mark Paston, Ben Sigmund, Ivan Vicelich, Tommy Smith (c), Leo Bertos, Chris Killen, Michael McGlinchey, Tony Lochhead; Marco Rojas, Shane Smeltz, Kosta Barbarouses.
- APNZ
