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Benji Marshall at the World Cup - Source: Photosport -
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Playmaker Benji Marshall will lead New Zealand in the one-off rugby league test against Australia in Brisbane on Friday.
Wests Tigers star Marshall, who didn't play for his club in the National Rugby League match against the Bulldogs on Sunday, was named captain of the 18-man squad announced on Sunday.
However, the national selectors were scheduled to meet again later this evening to consider medical reports on St George Illawarra's Jeremy Smith and Penrith's Frank Pritchard before confirming the squad.
Both have injuries from this weekend's round of NRL games.
Marshall, 24, takes over the captaincy from Nathan Cayless, who announced his retirement from international football last month after leading New Zealand to their Rugby League World Cup final win over Australia in Brisbane last November.
It won't be his debut as skipper.
He filled in for the Kiwis' 36-24 pool game win over England in Newcastle during the World Cup.
Two other former test captains are named in the squad, South Sydney prop Roy Asotasi (South Sydney) and Smith.
"We're lucky to have plenty of natural leaders in our group," Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said.
"It was a huge honour for Benji to lead his country against England and it was job he really took to.
"This is another step. Benji enjoys the extra responsibility and he'll have plenty of leadership support around him from the likes of Roy, Jeremy and others."
The squad is largely based on the players used at the World Cup.
Of the 17 in the team for the 34-20 win over the Kangaroos, only three have not been included.
Apart from Cayless, they are injured New Zealand Warriors prop Sam Rapira and Wigan halfback-hooker Thomas Leuluai, who isn't being flown in.
