Simon Mannering says New Zealand's 2008 Rugby League World Cup win came through hard work and hitting form at the right time, rather than resentment of Australia.
Before the final, a dinner praised the Kangaroos as "the greatest team ever to assemble," leaving the Kiwis with "a bit of a sour taste in the mouth," he recalled.
Mannering said Wayne Bennett helped sharpen that feeling, telling the players: "they're disrespecting you."
New Zealand had lost its opening match to Australia, but Mannering said the team grew into the tournament and began to believe "we can win this".
The 2008 victory remains the Kiwis' most recent World Cup title; Mannering said he was "very lucky to be a part of history."
With the sides set to meet in the 2026 final, he warned that Australia "don't go away" and will punish any lapse.
Mannering said the opening match showed how intercepts could change a game, adding: "They didn't look too good, but they picked up a couple of big plays with those intercepts and make you pay so I know the team will be better for that."