League: Benji backs Fien at halfback

Nathan Fien has not played halfback since his move to the Dragons midway through the NRL season. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwis captain Benji Marshall is backing Nathan Fien to quickly get back up to speed at halfback.

Fien will start in the No 7 jersey in tomorrow night's one-off test against Tonga in Rotorua, despite playing at hooker since joining the Dragons halfway through the NRL season.

Marshall says Fien has all the skills to play halfback and he was one of their standouts at last year's World Cup. He says he and Fien have a good combination and it will be good to get their timing back ahead of the Four-Nations starting next week.

Meanwhile, Marshall is calling on the likes of Lance Hohaia and Thomas Leuluai to take on a greater leadership role within the squad leading into the Four-Nations. With close to a dozen first team regulars unavailable for the tournament, Hohaia and Leuluai have become the most experienced players in the Kiwis.

Marshall says the seven rookies will rely on them. He says Hohaia is only 26 but he has to step up and lead by example for the younger players.

- NEWSTALK ZB