League: Bond of brothers Kiwis' key advantage

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The Kiwis call it "The Brotherhood" and they see it as their secret weapon heading into tomorrow's World Cup final against the Kangaroos.

While the Aussies have been continually forced to quash rumours of a rift in the camp that has come as a direct result of their State of Origin rivalry, New Zealand have maintained all tournament that their greatest strength is their bond to each other.

"Some guys haven't been in the camp for a few years and they feel like they have only been out of the camp for a few weeks or a few months," tough prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves explained.

"We call it 'The Brotherhood'.

"The culture around the New Zealand Kiwis is just incredible.

"The vibe everyone gets is like a big family. We have spoken about it for a few years and that is how it is."

It was on show for all to see this week when Sonny Bill Williams stood on stage at the announcement of the International Player of the Year with tears in his eyes as he watched his teammates perform an impromptu haka as a mark of their respect.

Little hooker Issac Luke led the battle cry but he had every man in the squad on their feet and in full voice with the Kangaroos seated only a couple of tables away.

Williams spoke with a genuine passion about what the camaraderie has meant to him after coming back into the camp after five years away.

"What I think I will miss when I retire is that feeling of walking off the pitch knowing that you have given your all but knowing that the players respect you," Williams said. "Knowing that you have got your brothers' respect."

This is not just talk among a group that go into this match as the reigning World Cup champs and Four Nations title holders but as underdogs in the eyes of most.

While the Kangaroos are the bookies' favourites and tournament top seeds, the Kiwis' last minute victory over England last week at Wembley has given them the opportunity to defend their title - and they go into this match with a point to prove to the world.

In their eyes, they have been the Kangaroos' little brother for too long - now "The Brotherhood" wants to prove once and for all why they deserve to be now recognised as rugby league's dominant nation.

"In terms of our squad and our talent like you said we are the World Champions. They have to bring it to us at the end of the day," Kiwis five-eighth Kieran Foran said.