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.

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.

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

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

The identity of three of the four teams involved in this weekend's World Cup semifinals was never in doubt but they have taken varying paths to this point, on and off the field.

There's more than just the trophy and being able to call yourself world champions at stake over the next week - there's also some healthy prizemoney on offer.

The man who masterminded New Zealand's shock victory at the last World Cup has declared the 2013 tournament "is better than 2008".

Former Australia international Petero Civoniceva is relishing the prospect of a big finish to his career after leading Fiji to a second successive World Cup semifinal appearance.

The Kiwis haven't beaten their World Cup semfinal opponents at home since 2005.

Cameron Smith and Nate Myles were allegedly involved in a blow-up relating to the Australian skipper's influence on World Cup team selections.