Kiwis veteran Adam Blair says October's Test against the Kangaroos in Auckland is a perfect opportunity to see where the New Zealand side stacks up against the world champions.
The New Zealand Kiwis haven't played at home against their Australian rivals since their 2014 Four Nations final win in Wellington.
"With everything that's gone on with New Zealand Rugby League, with the change and new coach – it will be great to put our mark in the sand and say this is where we are now," said Blair.
"They (Kangaroos) are a world class team with quality players all through their line-up. So it is a massive Test for us and a good test."
The Kiwis headline a triple-header event, with the Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis set to play their counterparts before the Kangaroos match.
"It's great, it is about time we got all three grades there, the women’s, the Junior Kiwis and the Kiwis boys.
"I guess to be able to play in front of your fans, friends and family out here on Mount Smart will be outstanding."
Blair said having home advantage over the Kangaroos will be a big boost for his team.
"It's hard enough to try and beat them, so anywhere we can play them away from their fans, friends and family – they have to travel.
"It's nice to be able to bring them over here and play on our home soil and show them what we have got."
The Kiwis have had a disappointing international record in the last 12 months, exiting the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in the quarter-final stage of the tournament, after a 4-2 loss against Fiji in Wellington last November.
They also lost June's Test against England 36-18 in Denver.
The Kiwis play the Kangaroos on October 13 at 7:45pm, with the Junior Kiwis taking on the Junior Kangaroos at 3pm and the Kiwi Ferns facing the Jillaroos at 5pm.
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