Benji Marshall leads the Kiwis out. Photo / Getty Images
Benji Marshall has been stripped of the Kiwis captaincy in an effort to ensure the playmaker is at his best for this year's World Cup.
Marshall has been captain of the Kiwis since Nathan Cayless retired from internationals in 2009. The Tigers playmaker led the side to the Four Nations
title in 2010 with a victory over Australia in the final but the Kiwis have won just one of their last six matches, including four straight defeats to Australia.
A new skipper will be named tomorrow morning, with Warrior captain Simon Mannering and Newcastle backrower Jeremy Smith leading contenders.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney spoke with Marshall this week and said it was a "very tough conversation''.
"Benji is an immensely proud New Zealander and his desire was to continue in the captaincy role,'' Kearney said. "Although this decision has been a difficult one, it has been made in the best interests of the team, and Benji will remain an integral part of the Kiwis going forward.''
