Former Kiwis captain Nathan Cayless believes the Kiwis underdog tag at this year's Rugby League World Cup could work in their favour.
Cayless led the New Zealand Kiwis to World Cup glory back in 2008 in Brisbane, where his side outclassed a star-studded Kangaroos team 34-20 in the final.
"A lot of people have written them (Kiwis) off especially in Australia," said Cayless.
"They're talking about Tonga and Samoa even the Lebanon team."
Cayless said many fans and pundits had given his side in 2008 no chance in winning the final against Australia.
"There's not much talk about New Zealand and that's a good thing for them.
"They're a big chance (Kiwis), I give them a big chance.
"No one else does because I'm just talking from experience as a player when you are written off and your backs are against the wall and no one gives you a chance that's when you love playing footy," said Cayless.
"It's something about our fighting spirit as Kiwis and as men when people say to you you can't do something all you want to do is go out there and prove them wrong, so it's set up perfectly."
Cayless was at a New Zealand Kiwis luncheon in Auckland today, an event set up to honour past New Zealand ex-players and legends of the game.
The former Kiwis prop played 39 Tests for New Zealand and played 259 NRL games for the Parramatta Eels.
The Kiwis kick-off their World Cup tomorrow night at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland against Toa Samoa.
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