New Zealand will pursue its second World Cup title, and first since 2008, against Australia at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The Kangaroos have won nine of the past 10 tournaments, while the Kiwis began this campaign with a 24-22 loss.
Jamayne Isaako has particular reason to remember that defeat: Australian winger Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick on debut, twice leaping above him and also taking an intercept.
"Not to take him lightly," Isaako said of what he learned from the contest.
"It wasn't something I incorporated into my prep; his height and reach there.
"So it's something I'll be taking personally this weekend, hopefully I can stop him and do a better job."
The pair played on the same side for the Dolphins last season and joked about the match when they reunited for a photo-shoot this week. "He gave me a little bit of stick," Isaako said.
Isaako, 30, will join Melbourne Storm next season after 11 campaigns with Brisbane, Gold Coast and Redcliffe NRL clubs.
He says the Kiwis' 2023 Pacific Champions triumph helped build belief. After returning to the team following four years out, he has played 13 straight Tests and 98 consecutive NRL games.
"I don't think we're ever going to get a squad (this good) again, so it's about making the most of the moments we get together," he said.
Isaako said he would miss living in Brisbane and hoped to leave on a high: "I'm certainly going to miss this place (living in Brisbane) and I'd like to finish on a high, hopefully holding the World Cup."