Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire is hopeful Benji Marshall decides to stick around for an 18th NRL season, after confirming he will begin discussions with the playmaker over the next month.
The 34-year-old has featured in 10 games for the Tigers this season, and his excellent form was rewarded with a recall into the Kiwis - who are also coached by Maguire - playing his first international since 2012.
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On Friday Marshall set up two of his side's three tries in a 24-16 loss to the Sydney Roosters, and is set to play his 300th NRL game against Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium next Sunday.
Marshall insists he is still undecided about his playing future beyond 2019, but Maguire is keen for the five-eighth stick around.
"The way he's going he's going alright," Maguire said.
"He's the one who's got to put his body through it. Those discussions we'll have over the next month. And really it's just how he feels.
"He's playing really good footy so there's no reason why he can't, but it's a matter of the mental side he needs to judge whether he wants to do it."
If Marshall does play against the Eels next weekend he'll become the fourth New Zealander to play 300 NRL games behind Ruben Wiki, Simon Mannering and Adam Blair.
Maguire said he can't wait to be involved in such a special moment.
"I had a couple of weeks with Benj when I was overseas with him, and I saw the passion for the Kiwi jersey.
"But there's a hell of a lot of passion in the Wests Tigers' jersey in Benji, so I'm really looking forward to being part of that [milestone game], they are special games.
"But one thing I know Benji will do is focus very much about growing this team and the game itself."
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