Often contenders but hardly ever defenders: that is the story of New Zealand on league's international stage. Not this time, however, with the Kiwis and coach Steve Kearney about to embark on their World Cup defence.

Light on backs, heavy on forwards. That would be my pick for the World Cup squad, with backrowers Alex Glenn and Simon Mannering offering cover in the centres.

The Kiwis caused a major shock when they beat the Kangaroos in the 2008 rugby league World Cup final in Brisbane, ending decades of Australian dominance.

Kiwis coach Steve Kearney believes he has the answer to a question that has dogged his team through the ages.

Rugby league star Benji Marshall has confirmed today that he is moving back to New Zealand to play rugby for the Blues.

The Kiwis selectors have a few difficult decisions ahead of them as they settle on their World Cup squad but they might be saved from having to make one of the hardest calls with Benji Marshall's switch to rugby.

Like most players, Issac Luke rattles out the line that he just hopes he makes the New Zealand side for the upcoming World Cup. In reality, he's the one player the Kiwis can't do without if they're to defend their world title.

This Friday marks 100 days until the start of the Rugby League World Cup and Kearney admits this year's team will probably be the most difficult he has had to select.

While the focus has been on the appointment of Ivan Cleary as Kiwis assistant coach, the machinations of the past week have also seen Tony Iro become one of the most important men in New Zealand rugby league.

The announcement of Ivan Cleary as assistant coach of the Kiwis was a surprise to most and accepted by most.

Stephen Kearney wants to stay on as Kiwis coach after this year's World Cup, and to build New Zealand into a consistent force on the world stage.

Few saw the appointment of Ivan Cleary as Kiwis assistant coach coming, not least of all those in the national body who expected Cleary to give their approach a quick rebuff.

Former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has been named as the assistant coach for the Kiwis league team.

Michael Brown tries to find a handful of reasons why it's not all doom and gloom ahead of tonight's Anzac test.

The Kiwis must get their kicking game right against Australia in Canberra tonight, says Richie Barnett.

The Anzac test has been played most years since the first one in 1997 but rarely has it truly embraced the Anzac message like it has this time around in Canberra.

Kieran Foran forged a reputation in the early years of his NRL career for his aggressive intent but now he's ready to embrace his softer side.

For a side who haven't won the Anzac test since 1998 and are missing three of their biggest names, the Kiwis are still confident of upsetting a powerful Australia side.