When Benji Marshall last led New Zealand onto the field in a test match in 2012, he was "under-qualified and under-prepared".
That's the opinion from the man himself, before a record 20th appearance as Kiwis captain in Friday night's clash with Australia in Wollongong.
Humbled to be named skipper seven years after he was last bestowed the honour, the 34-year-old said he has changed significantly since that 18-10 loss to the Kangaroos in Townsville.
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"Age is probably a big part of it, I'm a lot older," he said. "I'm a lot more experienced in terms of what being a good leader takes, and acting and leading by example.
"I was probably under-prepared and under-qualified the last time, but you learn your lessons and you make mistakes to learn what's right.
"I just feel like I'm in a really good place."
Once he takes the field at WIN Stadium on Friday night, he will become the Kiwis' most-capped test skipper, surpassing the mark of 19 he held, along with Gary Freeman.
Wests Tigers legend Marshall was brought back into the team by coach Michael
Maguire for last year's test against the Kangaroos, after a six-year international hiatus.
Marshall was seen crying during the New Zealand anthem before the game.
"When you're there singing a national anthem, you think about a lot of things, and part of the Kiwi way is we all love our family and preach family," he said.
"You start thinking about those things and you get a little bit emotional. It's part of the Kiwi way."
Despite the extended time away from the national team, Marshall said he never gave up on hopes of wearing the Kiwis jersey again, making his selection as captain a dream come true.
"I didn't give up on it," he said. "I didn't think it was going to be a realistic chance - I just made myself available every year at the end of every season, no matter what.
"I just backed myself to get back here and thankfully got this opportunity."
Join us at 10pm Friday for live updates of the Kiwis v Kangaroos rugby league test.
AAP
