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

Sonny Bill Williams on his journey to become the cross-code legend has been named the Rugby League International Federation Player of the year for 2013. Courtesy of Rugby League World Cup TV

Frank Pritchard had hoped to make his mark on a World Cup final but lost his chance today when he was ruled out of Sunday morning's showdown with Australia because of a hamstring strain.

When the Kiwis won the World Cup in 2008, it came as a surprise.

Sonny Bill Williams received an impromptu haka performance from his Kiwis teammates after being crowned the world's best rugby league player.

Sonny Bill Williams has been challenged to a swimming race by an unlikely contender - a child from Auckland.

This year's Anzac test followed a well-worn script as Australia continued their dominance in the one-off match into a 15th year.

As a youngster growing up on the Hibiscus Coast, Shaun Johnson was like a lot of children who used to dream about scoring the winning try for his country on the biggest stage.

The Kiwis pulled off a World Cup stunner to sneak past England but their last-gasp semifinal win at Wembley doesn't give huge confidence for the final against Australia.

As Sonny Bill Williams emerged from the dressing room after New Zealand's epic win over England, the toll was obvious.

New Zealand Herald rugby league writers answer three key questions from the Kiwis' thrilling last minute semi final win over England this morning at the World Cup.

The Kiwis' defence of the World Cup continues, thanks to a last minute stroke of brilliance by Shaun Johnson.

Greetings Billy. Willy Nilly - The 12th Man's Biggest Hits is released today - November chwenty-choo in Richie Benaud-speak.