Former Kiwis captain Benji Marshall has his sights set firmly on working his way back into the New Zealand test side in 2015.
The St George-Illawarra Dragons NRL Auckland Nines skipper played his last test in 2012, but is hoping to prove himself worthy of an international recall in hisfirst full season back in the 13-man code, following last year's short-lived code switch to the Blues Super Rugby franchise.
"I don't [feel that Kiwis selection is out of the question]," Marshall said at last night's historic 2015 NRL season launch on Auckland's waterfront. "I don't know how everybody else feels.
"That's going to be one of my goals this year, is playing consistently every week for the Dragons and trying to be the best player on the field to hopefully earn a recall in that squad."
Putting in a strong showing in this weekend's two-day tournament at Eden Park was his immediate focus, although Marshall admitted it took a great deal of persuasion to convince Dragons coach Paul McGregor to include him in his squad.
"I was begging them to play. I don't think he was that keen on me playing, to be honest, but I got my way in the end.
"With my background in touch footy and having a lot more space on the field I'm looking forward to maybe pulling out a few old tricks that might have happened 10 or so years ago with me."
While the Warriors have made no secret of the fact they have made the Nines a strong focus, the Dragons have taken a more relaxed approach in preparing for the pre-season tournament.
"We've watched a little bit [of last year's inaugural tournament] on TV the last few days and it's not easy. We've probably had 20 minutes of practice for it and it's definitely tougher than it looks."
That laid-back attitude would disappear once they take the field tomorrow, and although injuries were always a risk, players need to be prepared to give it their all.
"You can walk down the street and get injured. If you go in half-hearted you are probably more a chance of getting injured so you've got to go in full steam and play 100 per cent." After returning to the NRL in round 10 of last season, it took some time for Marshall to gel with his new teammates and adjust back into playing in the NRL.
"It's like anything, when you go into a new team it is always hard to adapt and feel a part of the team and it takes a bit of time. With the pre-season out of the way and half a season with the Dragons last year, I really feel like becoming a leader there and an integral part of the side. I feel a lot more comfortable and at home now."
