Benji to benefit from Johnson injury?

Benji Marshall. Photo / Getty

Shaun Johnson's season-ending injury could assist Benji Marshall's hopes of making a Kiwis comeback on the end of year tour to England but coach Stephen Kearney has a couple of other halfback options to consider.

Kearney confirmed Marshall would come into consideration for the three test series in November, but nominated Brisbane Broncos rookie Kodi Nikorima and Penrith Panthers utility Lewis Brown among other contenders for the halfback role.

Marshall has not represented New Zealand since 2012, with Johnson and Kieran Foran forming a successful halves pairing to guide the Kiwis to last year's Four Nations triumph and this year's Anzac test win over the Kangaroos.

The former Kiwis captain appeared to be on the outer, with Kearney stating he would overlook the 30-year-old for this year's Anzac test even if Johnson and Foran were unavailable.

The perception remains that Marshall's personality is at odds with the new culture that has been instilled in the Kiwis since the dramas and failings of the 2013 World Cup.

However, the St George-Illawarra Dragons playmaker did attend a meeting for eligible New Zealand players in Sydney last month.

"Benji was part of that group and he'll be considered along with some other options," Kearney told Fairfax media.

"I don't want to go into the specifics of that, but there are a couple of options.

"Kodi Nikorima was part of our camp for the Anzac test and he came in to be a part of the development process. He's been out the last few weeks, but is coming back. Lewis Brown has played that position too.

"There's still two months of footy to go, so we'll monitor how guys are going and make a call when it gets closer to the date."

With both Johnson and Warriors teammate Thomas Leuluai (knee) out for the season the Kiwis will be lacking experienced halves, which could help Marshall's cause.

The 2008 World Cup winner returned to his best form as the Dragons enjoyed an early season surge but their finals hopes are now in doubt after seven straight defeats saw them drop out of the top eight.

How he would fit back into the systems and playing patterns that have been established since his departure has been questioned, but Marshall could quell those concerns with strong performances over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Kearney was quick to contact Johnson in the hours after he suffered his leg and ankle injury while scoring a try in the first half of the Warriors defeat to Manly.

"I touched base with him on Saturday night and I'm very disappointed for him personally and also for the Warriors and us as the Kiwis too," he said.

"He's a young fella with a wonderful attitude, so I know he'll bounce back from it really well.

"With the work he has to do to get himself back there, he has the right attitude and I'm sure that won't be an issue for him.

"I'm disappointed for him, but injuries are a big part of our game and this is unfortunate for him."