FROM reserve grade to a starting role in a World Cup contending side.

That’s the scenario faced by Benji Marshall, with New Zealand’s former golden boot winner rediscovering his mojo just as the Kiwis desperately need him.

Marshall has made an incredible return to form at the Broncos after being recalled to the side in round 12 — Wayne Bennett working his magic to maintain a winning side despite going without star playmakers Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt and Kodi Nikorima for different reasons during the most gruelling part of the season.

With five try assists and nine linebreak assists from four starts and three games off the bench, Marshall is making a genuine impact for a side currently sitting in the top four.

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So impressive has the 32-year-old been, he’s been backed by Mick Ennis and Brett Finch to wear the No.7 jersey in New Zealand’s World Cup team, with Shaun Johnson unlikely to recover from what looks to be a serious knee injury in time to take his place.

Johnson has been the focal point of the Kiwis side that has pushed Australia hard over the last five years, so his absence will be huge blow.

However, David Kidwell is not without options, with Marshall, Nikorima and Te Maire Martin set to fight it out for the starting role, with Ennis favouring the veteran.

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“Tough time for the Kiwis, they’ve lost some experience without Bromwich and Proctor, Proctor not there either, at the World Cup as well,” Ennis pointed out on Fox League’s Sunday Ticket.

“I know this is left-field but I think he’s really starting to find some form, Benji Marshall under Wayne Bennett. And I think that he’s certainly a guy who could add much needed experience to a very young New Zealand side.”

Skipper Jesse Bromwich and star second-rower Kevin Proctor will not be considered for World Cup selection by the Kiwis after they embarrassed the side by being caught with cocaine in the hours after their huge loss to the Kangaroos in Canberra earlier this year.

New Zealand have plenty of quality forwards to choose from to replace that pair but perhaps more tellingly is the experience they lose, with 40 Test caps between them.

Te Maire Martin’s move to the Cowboys has put him in NZ calculations. Source: AAP

Marshall has not played for the Kiwis since 2012 but has 27 Tests to his name and won the Golden Boot award for an incredible international season in 2010.

His inclusion in the squad would go some way to filling the leadership void, although Finch admitted it would be tempting for Kidwell to promote someone younger.

“I think he’s a really good option for the Kiwis, Benji Marshall, but if they look at the other options, which is the youth, the young kids, Kodi Nikorima and Te Maire Martin are options as well they could go with,” Finch said.

“But to Benji’s credit, he’s been superb for the Broncos, and like you said, with that experience out in Bromwich and Proctor, he’ll come right into calculations.”