League: Injured Benji helps behind the scenes

SYDNEY - As one of league's hottest properties Benji Marshall hardly qualifies as a secret weapon these days.

But the recuperating Wests Tigers playmaker has still done his part as the Kiwis plot a successful start to their Tri-Nations campaign against the Kangaroos in Sydney tonight.

Marshall and fellow NRL premiership winner Dene Halatau called into the Kiwis hotel between training sessions to give the team a boost before resuming their one-sided test rivalry with their trans-Tasman rivals.

Marshall and utility Halatau were certainties to return to Telstra Stadium for the Kiwis tonight -- scene of their grand final glory on October 2 -- until the Wests Tigers told them to have reconstructive shoulder surgery.

The pair visited the New Zealand team hours before Marshall went under the knife on Wednesday, in a gesture that was appreciated by Kiwis coach Brian McClennan.

"It was really neat for Benji and Dene to come in. They've just come off a grand final win so they're nice and chirpy.

"Just to bring that air of confidence lifts the boys. I don't know if there's any one more confident than Benji."

Marshall, who moved gingerly yesterday at a function unveiling a new range of football boots, was optimistic the Kiwis could beat Australia.

"I'm feeling confident they can do the job. They've got the right attitude," said the test novice, who only made his debut in April's Anzac test in Brisbane.

"They are underdogs but no one said we could win the (premiership) title either."

McClennan will tap the 20-year-old's boundless energy and enthusiasm on the second leg of the Kiwis' Tri-Nations campaign -- next Friday's return match with the Kangaroos at Auckland's Ericsson Stadium.

"It's really good to have him in camp. He'll come over next week, too, and hang out with all the guys."

Marshall said the injection of Stacey Jones was the major point of difference from his first Kiwis camp.

"When I first went into camp everyone was pretty quiet but Stacey is more talkative and the attitude is positive."

Meanwhile, Marshall is now facing a lengthy rehabilitation process which will hopefully see him start the Tigers defence of their premiership crown in round one next March.

"I've haven't been getting much sleep but it'll get better.

"It's just part of football, you have to expect things (surgery) like that."

Part of his layoff would be spent pondering his future at the club after his contract expires at the end of the 2006 season.

"I'm happy at the Tigers and I'd like to stay," he said, aware big money deals will flow in from rivals.

He is also contemplating a career in the media when his playing career ends.

"I've always shown an interest in television, I don't mind my head getting on camera," said Marshall, who will be part of the New Zealand television commentary team covering tonight's game for Sky.

- NZPA