Rugby League: Benji Marshall unlikely to make Kiwis squad

Benji Marshall last played for the Kiwis in 2012. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Benji Marshall is highly unlikely to be part of the Kiwis squad for next Friday's Anzac test in Brisbane.

With Marshall is in good form and spearheading the Dragons' rise up the NRL ladder, there had been widespread speculation that the 30-year-old could make a return to the international fold.

But Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney quashed those thoughts today, saying that his squad won't include Benji "at this stage."

"Kieran [Foran] is really confident he is going to get through this weekend and we have a couple of options if that is not the case. At this stage and for this test match Benji won't be one of them."

Kearney also emphasised that a lot of time and energy has been invested in the incumbent halves pairing of Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran over the last three years.

However the long-time New Zealand coach said it didn't mean that Marshall would never play for the Kiwis again

"I'm never going to close the door on Benji or any player for that matter," said Kearney.

"For this one off test I've got two guys named to play and the one that is in question is confident of getting through this weekend so there is no discussion."

Kearney has yet to speak to Marshall but has been trying to arrange a conversation and spoke to the player's agent on Wednesday night.

The Kiwis team will be named on Sunday.