League: Underdog tag a big motivator for Kiwis

Simon Mannering: 'It is nice to not be given a chance.' Photo / Richard Robinson

The All Blacks might have more quality players to choose from, vast financial and coaching resources and a massive support base, but there is one area where the Kiwis have a huge advantage when it comes to major tournaments: expectation.

While the All Blacks head into every World Cup overwhelming favourites and routinely wilt under the crushing burden of expectation, the Kiwis have no such problems. They aren't ever expected to do much, and they thrive on it.

Warriors captain Simon Mannering, who once again stymied the mighty Australians with a makeshift appearance at centre at Suncorp Stadium in Saturday night's Four Nations victory, believes their underdog psyche is crucial to the Kiwis' success.

"I am sure most of the team feel more comfortable being the underdog," Mannering said. "You saw that last week, you guys [the media] gave us a bit of a rap and you saw what happened [in Auckland].

"It is nice to not be given a chance and have the motivation to prove someone wrong.

"With the All Blacks they are always the favourite and, to be honest with you, it is a lot harder to play that card than it is no one giving you a chance.

"[The All Blacks] definitely have a lot more pressure on them than us. But if we want to continue the way we are we are probably going to have to wear that [pressure] a bit better than we have in the past."

Putting their World Cup success behind them was one of the biggest bonuses to come out of last weekend's victory, Mannering said.

"It felt like we were going to be riding that World Cup win forever but to get a win like this puts that to bed, which is nice."

Despite the Four Nations win the Kiwis weren't in danger of losing their beloved underdog tag any time soon, he said.

"Australia have been the dominant team for a number of years, so you definitely savour these moments that you do get over them. It is a pretty special way to end the year."

Despite not having played a single match at centre all season for the Warriors, Mannering wasn't fazed by stepping into the role when Junior Sa'u was ruled out of the final with a corked leg.

While he may have lacked the pace to threaten the Kangaroos on the flanks, Mannering was a rock in defence against the previously deadly combination of Brent Tate and Brett Morris.

"You get given a job out there and you just do it the best that you can, whether you are a specialist centre or not," he said. "I'm just happy with the result.

"I guess we'll enjoy what we've done here and reflect on it a bit, but then you have to get up for the Warriors next year, which is something we look forward to every year."