Darren Lockyer says Benji Marshall must start at halfback in Friday’s grand final qualifier against the Storm.

For that to happen, he says Kodi Nikorima has to be relegated to the bench.

The changes come due to the impending return of fullback Darius Boyd for whom Nikorima deputized for in Friday night’s 13-6 victory over the Panthers.

It is a big call from the four-time Broncos Premiership winner with Nikorima helping Brisbane to 11 wins from the 12 starts he has made in the No.7 jumper this season.

However, Lockyer insists Marshall, who helped the Tigers claim the 2005 Premiership, is the man to guide the Queenslanders to their second grand final in three years.

“I reckon you leave Benji at halfback and put Kodi back to the bench," Lockyer told the Courier Mail.

“They need to train all week and have Kodi as a back-up fullback for Darius on the bench.

“I think Benji deserves to stay there. He made his tackles and didn’t have any errors with the footy (against Penrith).

“His kicking game was solid, a few kicks could have been better, but his experience brings composure, he isn’t overplaying his hand and that’s the key.”

Marshall has revitalized his career after Wayne Bennett brought him to Red Hill on a $100,000 one-year contract.

His good form has earned him a 12-month contract with his beloved Wests Tigers for 2018.