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Wests Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall has been named in New Zealand's starting side at halfback for Friday night's rugby league Test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium.

Marshall is recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in round 5 of the NRL last month and his club was hoping he would be used sparingly off the bench by the Kiwis on his return to action. Marshall will have his fitness assessed later in the week and Wests Tigers physiotherapist Andrew Leeds will consult with the New Zealand team doctor.

Fellow star Sonny Bill Williams has also been included in the starting side, at lock, just three matches back from a 10 month injury-enforced break. Test debuts have been given to Brisbane's Tame Tupou who will start on the wing and South Sydney backrower David Fa'alogo who will start on the bench.

McClennan could not find room for Parramatta prop Nathan Cayless, opting instead for his England-based brother Jason in the front row. Meanwhile, McClennan has fired the first shots for Friday night's Anzac Test branding the Australians as "narrow minded".

McClennan says Ricky Stuart's Kangaroos should be in Brisbane promoting Friday night's Test match instead of hiding away from the spotlight in Sydney. The usually reserved Kiwi coach says he thinks it's disrespectful the Kangaroos are not in Brisbane to promote rugby league. The Kiwis trained at Burleigh Heads today with McClennan growing in confidence that skipper Ruben Wiki will play a world-record 51st Test on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

NZ team: Brent Webb, Jake Webster, Clinton Toopi, Paul Whatuira, Tame Tupou, Nigel Vagana, Benji Marshall, Jason Cayless, David Faiumu, Ruben Wiki (c), David Kidwell, Louis Anderson, Sonny Bill Williams Interchange: Thomas Leuluai, David Fa'alogo, Roy Asotasi, Frank Pritchard.