Rugby League: With backs to the wall, Kevin Proctor says time to do the Kiwis fans proud

Doing the New Zealand public proud is a key motivator for Kiwis forward Kevin Proctor.

Trailing England 1-0 in a three-test series, New Zealand finds themselves in a must-win spot at Anfield on Monday morning (NZT) as they aim to end a 20-year drought in the North.

A 2-1 series win in 1998 was the last time the Kiwis left English shores with the series spoils and if they fail to win the second test that streak will continue.

Gold Coast Titans second-rower proctor has been a standout in the two tests since returning from international rugby league exile after a well-publicised incident outside a Canberra nightclub in May 2017.

While the 29-year-old feels a sense of accomplishing redemption for his indiscretion, the want to restore faith and pride in the Kiwis jersey is a far bigger aim.

Proctor told Newshub from Liverpool that the Kiwis have a lot of people they need to repay wit victory Monday morning.

"The new coaching staff and everyone involved, I think we really owe it to all of them because they have put in so much work to get us to where we are now," Procter said.

"This has been one of the most enjoyable camps I have been in so the mood is good but I think we really owe it to the management and to New Zealand to get the job done this weekend.

"It's a tough trip coming over here and beating them on their own turf.  History shows we have really struggled in the past but we are hoping to turn that all around this weekend."

Proctor is grateful being given a second opportunity to play international football.

Missing the World Cup in 2017 was heart-breaking for the proud New Zealander, even more so given he wasn't able to back his teammates during a tumultuous campaign.

After the Kiwis stunning win over the World Champion Kangaroos in Auckland last month, the two-point loss to England in the series opener was a big wake-up call according to Proctor.

However, the Te Kuiti believes they have the better side and will prove that in Liverpool.

"This means a lot to me getting back in this side. I want to do the jersey proud and redeem what I have done in the past.

"It's all behind me now but I really want to achieve success in this Kiwi jersey.

"I've tasted victory before and think we have the right team to do it now, and I think we will turn it around this weekend."

Proctor admits he isn't much of a football fan but it's hard to ignore the enormous support of both the Liverpool and Everton Premier League sides when you spend more than five minutes in the city.

The 20-test veteran has even found himself compared to one of Anfield Road's star attractions.

"Some people have thought I was Mo Salah from Liverpool because of my hair so I'm happy to cop that."

Hopefully, for Proctor, he can replicate the outstanding form of his apparent doppelganger on Monday.

Newshub.

Join us at 3am Monday for live updates of the Kiwis vs England test.