League: Benji Marshall still keen to represent Kiwis

Benji Marshall. Photo / Dean Purcell.

Benji Marshall still wants to play test league for the Kiwis, despite his snub for Friday's match against the Kangaroos in Brisbane.

The Dragons halfback has turned in a stunning start to the season to hold the equal lead in Dally M voting.

But he was overlooked for incumbents Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson in the halves for the midyear test and told he wouldn't even be considered as an injury back-up.

Marshall's told Fox Sports' NRL 360 there's no ongoing issues between himself and Stephen Kearney.

"I wanted to make sure it was nothing personal, because if it was, he's the coach for the next three years."

He was taken aback by not even being in the reckoning.

"It was a bit surprising but he had other plans. He wanted to develop some other combinations as well. Me being 30 might have had something to do with it but I have aspirations to represent New Zealand still."

He understands why incumbents Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson were selected.

"Of the back of what the two halves have done in the Four Nations for the past few years, I thought a bit of loyalty was shown there which I'm happy with. The only thing that was a little bit disappointing was if one was injured, I would have hoped I was the next pick."

Stephen Kearney axed Benji Marshall as test captain at the start of 2013.