The scoreline didn't matter to New Zealand in Friday night's Test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium, according to skipper Benji Marshall.

And just as well.

The Kiwis were thumped 38-10 as Australia exacted some revenge for their shock 2008 World Cup final loss.

Despite enduring a seven-tries-to-two loss, Marshall claimed his team's future was bright.

"The make up of our side ranges from (ages) 20 to 24 - the good thing about that is the future of New Zealand rugby league is in great hands," he said.

"Tonight wasn't about the result, it was about the effort.

"The scoreline is disappointing but on the positive side of it we do have a bright future."

But Marshall's sunny demeanour was lost somewhat when he was accused of talking up their chances at the post-match press conference.

Marshall had traded good natured jibes with his club coach - and new Australian mentor Tim Sheens - ahead of the match.

But after the match he was trading words with a journalist who asked whether he was "humble" after "talking a good game" ahead of the match.

"That's what you think. I wasn't talking up nothing mate," Marshall shot back.

"It was a bit of friendly banter between me and the old coach.

"You've got to be confident. You can't go into any game thinking you are going to lose - how would that look?

"It's a disappointing result, but when you give class blokes that much ball they are going to hurt you - doesn't matter who you are."

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