The Kiwis haven't won the Anzac test since 1998 and are missing three of their biggest names, but they are still confident of upsetting a powerful Australia side in Canberra on Friday night.
Sonny Bill Williams has caught the eye of most rugby league observers since his comeback and, crucially, Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has been one of them.
The only thing certain for a lot at the Wellington Phoenix is their season concludes on Sunday with a visit of the Melbourne Victory.
The Warriors are keeping a watching brief on Todd Carney's movements and could attempt to lure him to Mt Smart if things don't work out at Cronulla.
Winston Reid has been anointed as Ryan Nelsen's successor and will be handed the captain's armband for Friday night's World Cup qualifier against New Caledonia.
It's often said sport is 10 per cent physical and 90 per cent psychological and, no matter what the split, the Warriors realise they have to make considerable progress in their mental application if they are to figure this season.
Andrej Lemanis was across the Tasman for his Boomers job interview today and might have liked to have pointed to his recent record as the most compelling reason why he should become Australian basketball coach.
Warriors coach Matt Elliott labels it a "transition" year and Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne talks about "new beginnings" but there's little doubt the only way is up for two clubs who were dreadful last year.
Thomas Leuluai never had any intention of returning to the Warriors after his first, unsuccessful stint with the club as a teenager but had no second thoughts about his decision to join in 2013 even after the sacking of Brian McClennan.
Breakers' coach Andrej Lemanis will reach a significant milestone tomorrow night when he is in charge for his 250th ANBL match, but there's growing doubt about how many more he might add.
OPINION: It's appropriate Ricki Herbert's 2009 book was titled A New Fire because he has been trying to get the blaze under control at the Wellington Phoenix since being appointed coach in 2007.
All of a sudden the South African cricketers are coming under scrutiny and it's fair to say the Black Caps are taking some satisfaction from it.
Brendon McCullum is bold by nature but the New Zealand cricket captain believes the team need to stick with the majority of the side mauled by South Africa in the recent test series when they face up to England next month.
It was the phone call New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert had been waiting for but, in reality, didn't really want to receive.
Mike Hesson quit his last international cricket coaching job because of the bombs going off around him. The bombs these days are of a considerably different nature but no less noticeable.
David Ferrer has joined Australian great Roy Emerson as the most successful player in the history of the Heineken Open.
The chances of Ryan Nelsen featuring appear slim but the All Whites are set to play their crucial World Cup qualifier against New Caledonia in March in Auckland or Dunedin.
Gael Monfils admitted on the eve of his semifinal with David Ferrer that, "with me, you never know what will happen".
He might not possess the aura and ability of Ryan Nelsen, at least yet, but Australia-born Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante is looming as a possible replacement for one of this country's greatest footballers.
Maybe it's selfishness, but surely Ryan Nelsen can play on for at least another 10 months. His country needs him.
