Hugh McGahan: Benji knocking on Kiwis door again

Benji Marshall. Photo / Getty Images

Benji Marshall is within a whisker of fulfilling his goal of a Kiwis comeback for this year's Anzac test.

I have been critical of his performances in the past but have to acknowledge he has found the form which deserted him in recent years.

Marshall has rediscovered his mojo and, in tandem with Gareth Widdop, has catapulted the Dragons to the top of the NRL.

But it has not been on the back of goose-stepping runs, outrageous sidesteps or cavalier flick passes to dumbfound opposition defences.

He has reinvigorated himself with a repertoire of skills all halves need at this level. His ability to time passes to perfection to runners on either side of the field and to direct the team without flashy antics is the sign he accepts that his age now dictates how he plays.

Benji had to realise he could no longer play the way he did when younger and dominating the scene.

Unfortunately, I think he needed a couple of years to comprehend this and then a kick up the backside and some soul-searching to appreciate that he was heading for the scrapheap.

The kick up the backside was his unfortunate foray into rugby with the Blues. He clearly underestimated the difficulty of the transition.

Benji got the lifeline he needed from Paul 'Mary' McGregor. Steve Price brought Marshall to the Dragons in mid-2014 but was replaced by McGregor as coach. McGregor made Benji look in the mirror and be honest with himself.

Marshall had to smarten up if he wanted to succeed in the NRL again and it was time to act his age. He needed to learn the ways of the successful playmakers and I think his current form indicates he may have achieved that.

Realisation has led to transformation. The Dragons are benefiting from that and the Kiwi selectors must look to see if they can, too. Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson are the incumbents but does form or history warrant their selection? The Four Nations final last season would suggest the pairing should stay.

But Foran and Johnson have been struggling for fitness and consistency respectively, so form is not on their side. Marshall has put up his hand for selection and must be considered.

If he buys into what Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney wants from his players, then he is a serious contender, if only to be a benchmark for Foran and Johnson.

It's been a long time since we had three quality players battling for the halves positions but what a great situation to be in.