Coach Tim Sheens has seen it all before and is more than capable of introducing new players into the international arena where patriotism is another motivator. The majority of the younger players have already played State of Origin and semifinal football, yet we tend to forget their experience when it comes to the international arena.
Apparently New Zealand should win this tournament or at least beat the Australians comfortably. It certainly doesn't help when the wily Sheens labels the New Zealanders favourites. He's obviously done it to take pressure off his younger charges and transfer it to the Kiwis.
Outside of a couple of withdrawals due to injury and fatigue, the New Zealand team are fairly well-balanced.
They are still light in the centres with the enigmatic Shaun Kenny-Dowall and solid Dean Whare. This pair doesn't have the strike power of Jennings and Walker, but possesses an ability to turn a game and win it.
I thought Rabbitohs centre Kirisome Auva'a would provide some impact and his aggressive approach would have borne fruit against Australia. He proved it a couple of times this season, unsettling Jennings, and he would love to have confronted his team-mate, Walker.
The rest of the Kiwi team are sound and the decision to play Gerard Beale ahead of Manu Vatuvei after the injury to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak proves coach Stephen Kearney has the next World Cup in mind.
This is a relatively young side with a focus on the future and this should not be overlooked.
We must remember the depth of talent available to Australia, regardless of their age or international experience.
The NRL provides enough pressure for individuals to cope with the next level of competitive football.
New Zealand also benefits from this now, but we don't have as many players as Australia. Even the English are starting to benefit with a small contingent in the NRL, including their coach Steve McNamara at the Roosters.
This competition has a couple of surprises in store, despite the lack of names.
