The Kiwis claimed their first win of the Rugby League World Cup after beating the Cook Islands. Photo / Photosport

The Kiwis nation is back

The sea of black-and-white jerseys in Christchurch over the weekend was a welcome sight and a timely reminder for the code’s decision-makers that the Kiwis still matter to a lot of people.

It hasn’t always felt that way over the last few years, with stadiums