Rugby league legend and World Cup winner Benji Marshall believes this is the best chance that the New Zealand Kiwis have ever had to win the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
The Kiwis were shock winners of the 2008 tournament when they defeated Australia 34-20 at Suncorp Stadium with Marshall starring in the final.
Marshall declared that the Kiwis have assembled arguably their strongest team ever and that New Zealand should be considered the favourites to take out the Paul Barrière trophy.
“It’s a big call but I think it’s the best New Zealand squad we have ever put together,” Marshall said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It’s the best 30-man squad we will ever field, possibly of all time.
“Our spine (is great) with Jahrome Hughes, Dylan Brown, 'the Cheese' in Brandon Smith and Joseph Manu at fullback.
“That’s possibly the best spine New Zealand has ever named as a group and as a collective.
“They’ll go a long way towards winning.”
The Kiwis were mightily impressive in their 26-6 win over Tonga with Manu running for over 400 metres whilst Brown, Hughes and Joseph Tapine running rampant over a strong Tongan side.
However, Marshall has warned the Kiwis against buying into their own form and reminded the team that there is still a lot of work to be done between now and the final at Old Trafford in November.
“Australia, England and Tonga are going to be tough to beat,” he said.
“Playing England in the UK is a different beast because it’s loud, you can’t hear anything, and the fans are all over you.
“It’s nice to have a strong team but you still have to go over there and go on and win it.
“There are a lot of teams they have to beat first.”
The Kiwis play their first World Cup game against Lebanon on October 16 in Warrington.