David Skipwith: Kiwis right to look past Benji

Benji Marshall. Photo / Greg Bowker

The Kiwis are right to look past Benji Marshall and should stick solid to their policy of selecting players who are going to be involved in test football for years to come.

The frank admission from coach Stephen Kearney today that Marshall was not in the selection frame for next Friday's Anzac test in Brisbane is consistent with the Kiwis' selection policy since the 2013 World Cup - they remain focussed on looking to the future instead of the past.

Marshall is in great form with the Dragons - playing his best football since 2010-2011 seasons - but unless both Kieran Foran and Thomas Leuluai are ruled out or fall over this weekend his name should be left off the Kiwis team list on Sunday night.

All the hype and feel-good angles about Marshall's potential recall have overlooked the fact there remain concerns over key areas of his game.

Even when he took out man of the match honours with some magical play against the Bulldogs two weeks ago, basic errors such as kicking out on the full remained in his play and there were murmurs that the Dragons were looking for greater poise and control from their halfback.

His brilliant running and passing game has overshadowed those negatives but I'm not convinced he is the player you want leading a side through a test match game plan.

Yes, he could slot into the Kiwis side at a pinch and do a solid job but with only four tests scheduled for this year the selectors might feel they are better off sticking with Leuluai or giving another contender a taste.

The benefits of that approach were seen last year, when circumstances forced them to blood a whole host of newcomers in the April test with the core of that group going on to play key roles in the side's Four Nations success in October.

This is where the Kiwis selection policy for next week's match differs from Australia, who have made it clear they will name their strongest side possible as they look to avenge twin defeats from last year's end of season tournament.

Unlike New Zealand, who have three tests and a warm-up match against Leeds scheduled against England in October, this Anzac test is the only match on the Kangaroos' 2015 calendar.

Their focus is on securing a one off win before bidding farewell to some of their old campaigners, with talk prevalent that the likes of Paul Gallen and Nate Myles might be set to play their final test next weekend before they begin rebuilding ahead of the 2017 World Cup.

The Kiwis seem intent on trusting incumbents where they can, fitness depending, and sticking to their long-term philosophy of developing depth and experience that will serve them down the line.

However, if Marshall holds his good form for the rest of the season he would almost demand selection for the trip to the UK, but right now he could be standing in the way of another player who would benefit more from playing in the Suncorp Stadium test.

There are other factors to consider as well, relating to how Marshall would slot back into the side he once captained, and how he would fit into the systems that have been established since he last played for the side back in 2012.

No, he wouldn't let anyone down but do the Kiwis need to use him? Not at this stage they don't.