Jason Nightingale and Shaun Kenny-Dowall are the latest Kiwis players to throw their support behind Stephen Kearney being reappointed New Zealand coach.

As the champagne flowed for the Australian side, the tears flowed for the Kiwis after they were humbled 34-2 in this morning's World Cup final. It brought to an end what had been a promising campaign but highlighted why Australia have been the dominant rugby league nation for some time. Even though the Kiwis won the 2008 World Cup, they could never really have claimed to be the best side around.

Herald rugby league writers Michael Brown and Chris Rattue answer three key questions from the Kiwis' loss to Australia in this morning's World Cup final.

For five years it has pained Australia to know they were not world champions. This morning at Old Trafford they put that right in a masterful performance.

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

Shaun Johnson looms as the most important player for the Kiwis in Sunday morning's World Cup final, writes Richie Barnett.

When the Kiwis won the World Cup in 2008, it came as a surprise. A lot has changed in five years but New Zealand are still underdogs for Sunday morning's World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford.

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.