Johnson was carried from the field in the Warriors’ loss to Penrith on Saturday with a leg injury that is likely to sideline him for the rest of 2017.

Enter Marshall, the 27-Test veteran and former New Zealand captain who is in blistering form for the Broncos.

It’s a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old who was unwanted by every NRL club bar Brisbane at the end of 2016.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett signed Marshall over the phone to a one-year $100,000 deal which saw the pivot starting the season for Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.

An injury to starter Ben Hunt opened the door for an NRL recall which the premiership-winner has taken with both hands.

An injury to Anthony Milford saw him remain in the top flight highlighted by a match-winning performance against Canberra last month.   

And with calls growing louder to select Marshall in the Kiwi side for the first time since 2012, Broncos, Tigers and former New Zealand teammate Adam Blair says the five-eighth would do his nation proud if given the opportunity.  

"I really enjoy playing with Benji in general," Blair said. "I've had opportunities through the Kiwis and at the (Wests) Tigers, and it's great to see someone like him admit that he went away from what he does well but has come up here with a new lease of life and really just enjoy the moments he has left. 

"It's great to see because when he's at his best he's unstoppable."

Blair said Marshall’s experience was paying dividends at Red Hill with Marshall spending considerable time teaching the Broncos young charges.

"We're reaping all the rewards at the Broncos through our younger players by having his knowledge and leadership around," Blair said. 

"Maybe if he's playing really well the selectors may look down that path because a World Cup is pretty important and he's been there and done it before and at that stage was one of the best players going around. 

"It would be great to have someone of his experience around for the group."