Former Queensland five-eight Ben Ikin believes New Zealand are now on par with Australia and the domination the Kangaroos once had, is forever gone.

Speaking to Fox Sports Ikin says New Zealand have everything exactly right.

“Does anyone else feel like the dominance once held by the Kangaroos in the international rugby league scene is slowly eroding?

“That air of expectancy I once had whenever our national rugby league team took the field no longer exists, and I’ve got to admit, I quite like it.

“While there’s no arguing against the strength of the Aussie team, I look at the Kiwis squad and feel equally impressed.

“I’ve felt for years, perhaps arrogantly so, that the Kiwis’ passion, less their talent, would win them games.

“That success for the New Zealanders would be the exception, not the rule.

“Not anymore.

“With a cracking talent pool, a dedicated coach, and a well-executed strategy to build sustainable success on the international stage, the Kiwis have become the equal of the Kangaroos.”