League: NZRL working on test options

A request to play Benji Marshall off the bench may be granted by the New Zealand Rugby League, if he is selected for the Kiwis.

Marshall has starred for the Tigers in consecutive wins over the Bulldogs and Roosters, making him a hot contender to make his test debut against Australia in a couple of weeks.

But Tigers coach Tim Sheens has called for the five-eighth to come off the bench, rather than throwing him straight to the wolves.

Kiwis selection convener Keith Pittman says it is certainly an option.

Pittman said they are always mindful of what is best for the players, and it is also in their interests to co-operate with the clubs.

Meanwhile, the selectors are making another bid to secure the services of exciting young Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt.

Hunt turned down the Kiwi jersey last year, preferring to try to break into the Queensland team.

However, there are many people in Australian league who do not want New Zealand born players in State of Origin.

Australian selector and Queensland legend Arthur Beetson is one who does not want Hunt, believing he should be made to play for his birth country.

Pittman confirms they have made another approach to Hunt for the ANZAC test, although Pittman says they are not going down on bended knee, and if Hunt does not want to play for his country, then they will get someone else.

An enlarged Kiwis train-on squad will be named on Tuesday with the squad for the test named after round six of the NRL.

- NEWSTALK ZB