The Kiwis proved on Friday night they can play well when there are no expectations on them - the next step will be to learn how to perform when the winning post is in sight.

The Kiwis selectors carried out an exercise six weeks ago when they picked a side for the Anzac test - only four on that list played against Australia on Friday night.

Sam Moa was teased by his Kiwis team-mates about his likeness to Australian heavyweight boxer Alex Leapai in the lead-up to Friday night's Anzac test.

Stephen Kearney's side, who were expected to be on the end of a hiding, gave Australia a scare before the world champions gained the ascendancy.

As the Australian team filed past Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney and into Allianz Stadium for their captains run yesterday, someone helpfully pointed out it was not a bad Aussie team.

Australian five-eighth Johnathan Thurston claims there is too much pride and professionalism in the Kangaroos rugby league side to let complacency get the better of them against an understrength New Zealand tonight.

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney says he's moved on from rugby-bound Sonny Bill Williams.

Matt Gillett admits to mixed feelings when he learned he'll make his test debut for Australia.

He was the controversial omission from last year's World Cup but Tohu Harris is set to return to the New Zealand side for next week's Anzac test.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has confirmed that Sonny Bill Williams wasn't seen as an option for the Anzac test.

Sonny Bill Williams is to boycott the Anzac league test on Friday week, although the Kiwis say he was never under consideration.

The naming of the Kiwis side for the upcoming Anzac test looms as one of the most important in recent times.

Andrew McFadden's first taste of international coaching is over before it even started, with Kiwis' coach Stephen Kearney confirming he has stepped down.

A former Kiwis rugby league star has been arrested for allegedly assaulting an ex-policewoman who resigned in a scandal.

Given the lack of obvious alternatives, Stephen Kearney was the only choice the NZRL could make for Kiwis coach.

Stephen Kearney admits that next time the Kiwis are selected, they will need to take into account "character as well as talent".

The NZRL has stopped short of blaming the use of prescription drugs and energy drinks for the Kiwis' heavy defeat to Australia in last year's World Cup final.

Rugby league authorities will combat the use of sleeping pills and energy drinks by players by including it in drug tests and possibly in codes of conduct.

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

Stephen Kearney is the favourite to retain the Kiwis coaching job, despite what happened in last year's World Cup final.