Benji Marshall is closing in on becoming the longest-serving New Zealand captain.
Stand-off leads Kiwis for 17th time on Saturday
Benji Marshall is hoping to be within one match of equalling the record as the longest-serving New Zealand captain by the time he has finished with the Gillette Four Nations.
The Wests Tigers stand-off will lead his country for the 17th time when they take on England in Hull - a match which will determine which side meets Australia in the final at Elland Road in Leeds next Saturday.
The 26-year-old, who has won 24 caps, led the Kiwis for the first time against England in Newcastle during their successful 2008 World Cup campaign.
If the Kiwis reach the final, Marshall will draw level with New Zealand legends Mark Graham and Ruben Wiki and be just one Test behind Gary Freeman, who was captain 19 times from 1990-1995.
Marshall, who has played in 21 consecutive Tests, achieved one milestone last Saturday when he kicked four goals in his side's 36-0 win over Wales to become only the seventh player to score 100 points in Tests for New Zealand.
The Kiwis will train in Leeds on Friday morning before moving base for a one-night stay in Hull.
Coach Stephen Kearney has indicated he will wait until as late as possible before confirming the line-up to face England.
Prop Fuifui Moimoi continues to be their major doubt. He has trained separately from the team as he battles to overcome an ankle injury which limited him to just six minutes against the Welsh at Wembley.
With fellow front rower Sam McKendry ruled out with a broken jaw, Kearney will be desperately hoping the barnstorming Parramatta forward comes through.
