League: Double joy for Whare

Whare's partner gave birth to a baby girl, a sister to his other daughter, Milla. Photo / Getty Images

As the Kiwis planned and plotted their build-up to the biggest game of their Four Nations campaign, centre Dean Whare "disappeared" for two days - leaving camp to fly back to Australia.

But it was for good reason and done with management's blessing, as Whare returned to Sydney for the birth of his second child.

"Yeah, I had to disappear for a couple of days," said Whare. "I had a little sneaky trip back there for the birth of my second child. It was a bit different in the week before a final but it was all good."

The Penrith centre was doubly delighted after the match - savouring just his second win over the Kangaroos and reflecting on being a new father.

Whare's partner Natasha gave birth to a baby girl, a sister to his other daughter, Milla.

"She's healthy, Mum's healthy and that is all that matters to me. It's going to be busy times when I get back."

Whare missed some training sessions last week but it was probably a blessing in disguise; the 24-year-old has been nursing a niggling foot tendon injury injury.

"We were really hungry for this win," said Whare. "We wanted it really bad. We have worked so hard throughout this campaign so it feels pretty good, especially as you know Australia are always so tough."

Whare has been on the international scene for a while now, but until a few weeks ago had never represented the Kiwis on home soil. Now he has experienced three consecutive victories in front of rapturous fans in Whangarei, Dunedin and Wellington.

"It's been amazing," says Whare. "Something you won't forget for a long time."

While he didn't get many opportunities with ball in hand on Saturday night, Whare gave his usual competent display. He has been one of the most consistent performers throughout the last four weeks and showed great poise to send Jason Nightingale away for the first New Zealand try.