Jahrome Hughes has not represented New Zealand since helping the Kiwis beat Australia 30-0 in the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Now 31, he is set to return for this year's World Cup, where New Zealand's opening match is a rematch against Australia.
A neck injury ruled him out of the 2024 national squad, and shoulder surgery kept him from the Kiwis' successful 2025 Pacific Championships campaign.
Hughes still feels responsible for New Zealand's 16-14 semi-final defeat to Australia at the 2022 World Cup.
"Getting so close in 2022 in the World Cup and losing to Australia in the semi-final, I still hold a bit of fire in my belly from that," Hughes said.
"I take a lot of blame for losing that game."
Since then, he has won the 2024 Dally M medal playing for Melbourne.
The proud Maori player said returning to the black and white jersey would be special after several years away.
"I've dreamed of putting these colours on since I was a young kid," Hughes said.
New Zealand last lifted the World Cup in 2008, while Australia has won the past three tournaments.
Hughes hopes a Kiwis victory would build on the momentum created by the Warriors and inspire supporters and children across New Zealand.
"For us to win it, it would be really special, not just for us players but for the whole country."