Hugh McGahan: Victory sweet on so many levels

Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson. Photo / Mark Mitchell

My heart was racing long after the final whistle but I think the Kiwis deserved to win the Four Nations - they've been the most consistent team.

Winning two in a row against Australia is great but that's just a record. It was the way that we did it and the consistency we've started to show that was most impressive.

The win was really pleasing for Stephen Kearney, New Zealand rugby league and the international game. I think Stephen's future will be secured now and I'm really glad that, from the end of last year through to last night, he's looked to the future by introducing a lot of youngsters.

The Kiwis now have a good nucleus of young players who have still got at least another four or five years of their peak in front of them. This group can remain together until at least the next World Cup, after which the likes of Simon Mannering and Jason Nightingale might look to step aside.

New Zealand winning has also done international rugby league the world of good. We need to have games and tournaments that are close and, come the end, it's great that it wasn't the Australians getting the trophy.

They've got a readymade excuse in that it wasn't their top side, but it's still a quality Australian team and New Zealand came out on top. That's all history is going to show.

It was a game where every player did their job and the coaches wouldn't have been unhappy with anyone. The players did exactly what was required of them and more.

Manu Vatuvei had one of the best games he's had in a long time. Shaun Johnson played a controlled game but, at the same time, showed the skill level that he's always possessed.

Johnson's control meant the Kiwis were able to stick to a plan and not get blown away. And if they can continue to play close games against Australia, whether we win or lose, that's all people want to see - every player giving 100 per cent.

The only disappointing thing, from my point of view, is that the next tournament will feature Scotland instead of Samoa. The competitive nature of this year's event showed that, in addition to the Kiwis, the Kangaroos and England, we need to have another team from the Pacific Islands that features NRL players. I think that's something the game's governing body need to look at.

Samoa proved their worth this year and belong at the end-of-season tournament. But, aside from that, it's been a great few weeks for rugby league. The gap between Australia and the rest has closed and the Kiwis have proven that they can seriously challenge the Kangaroos for top honours for years to come.