Benji Marshall is aiming to lead the Kiwis into the Four Nations final, even if that means disappointing "the nicest guy I've met''.

The Wests Tigers stand-off has become a big admirer as well as a firm friend of former Leeds second rower Gareth Ellis during the England international's first season with the Sydney club but the pair will be on opposite sides in tonight's match at Huddersfield.

Marshall, who took over the New Zealand captaincy following the retirement of Nathan Cayless in the wake of last year's World Cup triumph, has pinpointed Ellis as one of the danger men in tonight's sudden-death game.

"Of all the second rowers I've played with, he's got the highest work-rate,'' said Marshall.

"It's definitely been great to play off his offloads this year.

"With his footwork and the offloads he's got, he'll be hard to stop. He'll be one we'll have to look out for.

"Hopefully he will stay on the other side of the pitch because I've seen him tackle and, the way he puts his body into the tackle, I don't really want to run into him.

"I didn't really know how good he was until I got to play with him. He's one of those guys you want to play with and, on top of that, he's probably the nicest guy that I've met.''

The Kiwis go into tonight's game at the Galpharm Stadium as world champions and Marshall is confident they can live up to their billing.

They were impressive in their opening 20-20 draw with Australia and produced a storming finish to trounce France 62-12 a week ago.

"I thought we started the tournament with great passion and hunger and played with a belief that we could win,'' said Marshall.

"I thought we carried that on against France, although the first half was a bit shaky.

"All in all, I think we've been building and preparing pretty well.''