Jamayne Isaako is taking it personally as a generational New Zealand team attempts to break Australia's World Cup stranglehold in their Brisbane decider.
The Kiwis will face the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, attempting to win a second cup and first since 2008.
The hosts have won nine of the last 10 tournaments but will be challenged by a side that did everything but win in a 24-22 loss to begin the tournament.
Australian winger Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick on debut, twice leaping above Dolphins teammate Isaako for tries while also plucking an intercept.
Isaako, who will leave for the Melbourne Storm next season after 11 campaigns with Brisbane's, Gold Coast's and Redcliffe's NRL clubs, hasn't forgotten.
"Not to take him lightly," Isaako said of what he took from that duel.
"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."
Bostock played in the centres - on the same side of the field as Isaako - in the New Zealander's last season at the Dolphins and the pair were able to laugh about the contest when they reunited for a photo-shoot this week.
"He gave me a little bit of stick," Isaako said.
The 30-year-old maintains belief is high, pointing to the side's 2023 Pacific Champions triumph as a turning point for the team and himself.
The goal-kicker was left out of the Kiwis side for four years before his 2023 return and has played 13 consecutive Test and 98 consecutive NRL games since.
"There's a lot of confidence about what we've been able to create here," he said.
"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.
"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."
