'Favourites' tag ensures hosts will take nothing for granted

New Zealand captain Benji Marshall admits being favourites sits uneasily with the Kiwis' but says they are determined to justify the new wave of optimism sweeping through the nation.

Unusually, Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has been able to select from virtually a full-strength squad for tomorrow's opening Four Nations game against England at the Westpac Stadium for which they have been made firm favourites.

New Zealand are arguably stronger than when they stunned Australia to lift the World Cup two years ago and many are tipping them to repeat that success in Brisbane on November 13.

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"It's nice for a change but just because they pick us doesn't mean it's going to happen," said Marshall. "Just because it's a stronger squad, it doesn't mean it's going to happen automatically. We realise that.

"We realise the expectations and we're building towards having a great campaign."

The Wests Tigers stand-off feels he has grown into the captaincy, which he inherited from the long-serving Ruben Wiki, after a sticky start.

"I really think I've matured a lot, especially over the last 12 months," he said.

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"Being thrown in as captain last year really woke me up to not taking things for granted."

Marshall was in charge when the Kiwis lost 20-12 in their last meeting with England in last year's Four Nations at Huddersfield.

In selecting Greg Eastwood, who has played in the back row with Leeds for most of this season, and Adam Blair as his starting props, Kearney has opted for mobility rather than brute force.

That could play into the hands of England, who have gone for three specialist and two part-time props in their side.

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England's strength is in the pack but Kearney is determined not to underestimate their backs and knows all about full-back Gareth Widdop, having coached him at Melbourne Storm.

He said: "Like any team, the forwards set the foundation but the outside backs of the England side are very athletic, the likes of Briscoe and Atkins, and I know Gareth Widdop quite well.

"If they're playing off the back of some good momentum, then I think they'll cause any group some trouble."