League: Kiwis look set to marshall squad without Benji

Benji Marshall. Photo / Getty Images

Benji Marshall isn't likely to feature in the Kiwis squad for this year's Four Nations, despite the fact he's made a successful return to rugby league.

The Dragons playmaker hasn't played for New Zealand since the 2012 Four Nations and was dumped as Kiwis captain for last year's Anzac test. He missed last year's unsuccessful World Cup defence through a combination of a loss of form but also the fact he was defecting to rugby union.

Marshall made a surprise return to rugby league in May with the Dragons and has recaptured some of the form that made him the world's best player in 2010. But his name is likely to be missing this week when the first players are announced for the Four Nations train-on squad for players whose teams are knocked out of playoffs contention.

It's understood the Kiwis selectors want to build for the future as they eye the 2017 World Cup but have not totally ruled out Marshall because of the limited depth in the halves and the possibility of injuries to others.

Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson are the first-choice halves pairing, with Thomas Leuluai also in the mix. There is some doubt, however, about Leuluai's involvement because of the groin injury that ruined his World Cup and saw him miss a lot of the first half of this season. Injuries to Foran and Leuluai saw Storm second-rower Tohu Harris start at five-eighth and Panthers halfback Isaac John provided cover on the interchange bench for this year's Anzac test.

Marshall expressed his desire last week to reclaim a Kiwis jumper in the Four Nations and caught up with Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney last weekend.

"Hopefully that leads to being selected but if it doesn't, it's not the end of the world for me," he said.

"I grew up dreaming of that and I've had the opportunity to do it and hopefully I get to do it again. Representing your country is the highest honour in the game and if it comes my way, I'll take it."

There are a number of reasons why Marshall should be seriously considered. He's still only 29, is playing well for his club, is an experienced international with 27 tests - including 19 as captain - and is a match-winner.

New Zealand don't have great depth in the halves and at hooker, evidenced by the fact Harris played at five-eighth and Ben Henry slotted into hooker in the absence of Issac Luke and Leuluai.

But there are also risks with Marshall. He's a big personality and Kearney made no secret of the fact he wanted a new culture within the Kiwis after it emerged some members of the squad indulged in sleeping pills and energy drinks during the World Cup.

It won't help Marshall's cause that his Dragons side won't be involved in the playoffs. Players whose teams are involved are often at an advantage because they are match fit.

Penrith's Elijah Taylor (knee) and Warriors utility Ben Henry, who needs a knee operation, are the only players so far ruled out of contention but that number is likely to increase as others require off-season surgery.