Coach Kevin Walters is adamant Australia can shift up a gear as they zero in on a fourth consecutive Rugby League World Cup title on Sunday, but they face a significant threat from a New Zealand team hitting their stride.
The final in Brisbane will be a rematch of the titanic tournament opener over a month ago when the Kangaroos edged their arch-rivals 24-22 in a thriller.
New Zealand dominated territory with their forward pack running more metres, but a Jack Bostock hat-trick saw the home team over the line in a tense finish.
The forward battle is again set to be pivotal, with New Zealand's pack arguably the best in the world, with James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Joe Tapine and Naufahu Whyte up front.
But Walters is confident his side can withstand the pressure to win a 13th World Cup and deny New Zealand their first title since 2008, when they upset the powerhouse Australians.
"I've been telling our Australian fans and people that want to support the team that this team has set out to build over the tournament," he said.
"I still think there is a bit more in us yet still. So that's exciting.
"We feel like we've got more to give yet, and I feel like watching the players and seeing them, they feel like they have more to give as well."
Australia booked a place in the final with an emphatic 44-12 mauling of dangerous Samoa. New Zealand swept past Tonga 34-10 in the other last four clash.
Walters has named the same 19-man squad for the decider, boasting eight players who were part of the 2022 World Cup final win over Samoa, including Cameron Munster, Isaah Yeo and Latrell Mitchell.
The Kiwis are lifted by the return of winger Ronaldo Mulitalo from a one-game suspension, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad set to drop to the bench.
'WE AREN'T FRIENDS'
Australian front-rower Tino Fa'asuamaleaui denied the Kiwi forwards would have the upper hand.
"We definitely discussed (after the opening game) that we needed to be better," he said.
"But we won the game. We were really proud of our effort, our scramble defence and making things happen."
While the forwards will play a crucial role, the final will also showcase two of the most exciting backs in the world -- Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh.
The pair went toe-to-toe in the tournament opener, where Ponga broke his forearm but miraculously recovered to be influential in their semifinal win.
"It's always all love off the field and then when we get on the field, we aren't friends," said New Zealand's Ponga of his Queensland State of Origin teammate Walsh.
"We can both ... make Sunday night entertaining, but hopefully not too much for him."
Australia have beaten the Kiwis in five of their past six matches, but were defeated by them in the 2023 Pacific Cup final.
Before the men take the field at Suncorp Stadium, the women's title will be decided with Australia starting favourites, having won 12 of their last 14 encounters with opponent New Zealand.
Defiant Kiwi captain Georgia Hale said past results meant nothing.
"Every team has cracks and flaws," she said. "We've beaten them before, and I remember that feeling and it's one we want to grasp on Sunday."