Kiwi Ferns prop Shannon Mato could win a second consecutive women's World Cup on the same night Dane Gagai pursues a historic first.
If New Zealand beat hosts Australia in Brisbane on Sunday, Gagai would become the first person to win his sport's top international tournament with two countries.
He won the 2017 World Cup with Australia's Kangaroos.
Soccer player Louis Monti came close almost a century ago, losing and then winning successive World Cups with Argentina and Italy.
No professional athlete has matched that feat since.
Gagai, nearing 36, has played 16 NRL seasons and 23 State of Origin games for Queensland.
"He's just a big game player; what he done in Origin his whole career and what he's doing now at this age," Joseph Tapine said.
"I don't know how he's moving like that still, he's a freak.
"When the pressure gets high, he lifts to that and that's what you want."
Coach Stacey Jones said Gagai's experience and commitment to representing his mother's family had greatly benefited the team.
Jones has former World Cup-winning player and coach Adam Blair and Stephen Kearney on his staff, and has brought former players into camp.
Australia beat New Zealand 24-22 in their opening match, with Jones saying the hosts took their chances and both sides had improved since.
Tapine said Gagai, fullback Kalyn Ponga and winger Jamayne Isaako had added skill and toughness to a forward pack he already rated.
"It's a special group and this is my third Cup, it's my last chance and I'm going out to give it my all to put the names in history," Tapine said.