Only a handful of members of the New Zealand team to take on Australia in the Centenary Test have ever been on the winning side in a trans-Tasman clash.
But Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney is not dwelling on that and has instead chosen to see the match, which celebrates 100 years of league in Australia, as the start of a new era for New Zealand rugby league following their humiliating 58-0 humbling in Wellington last year and the saga surrounding the departure of former coach Gary Kemble.
Frank Pritchard, Brent Webb, Nathan Cayless and Roy Asotasi were all involved in the 38-28 victory against Australia in Sydney in the 2005 Tri-Nations, with all bar Cayless returning for the memorable 24-0 drubbing of the same opponents in the tournament final.
Cayless also played in 2003 when the Kiwis won 30-16 in the 100th test between the nations, a game in which Thomas Leuluai made his test debut.
"It is a rare feeling, and if we can make it more regular, it would definitely keep me happy," Asotasi told The Press newspaper.
"But it is important for them (those who hadn't tasted victory) not to focus too much on that. Concentrate on your role and be focused and prepared and don't worry about the result and that's where I think the win will definitely come."
New Zealand's preparations have been boosted by the input of well-respected coach Wayne Bennett, who has been with the players since they went into camp last Sunday.
But New Zealand team manager Dean Bell, who beat the Australians in 1983, 1985 and 1987, admitted it would take a huge effort to get past the overwhelming favourites in Friday's match.
"You just know you have to play as well as you can to beat these guys," he said.
"Isn't that great? Sometimes you can play average and win and that feeling is not the same, but (those wins gave me) that self-satisfaction when you say `I've given my all and got a victory'."
New Zealand's preparations have been boosted by the input of well-respected coach Wayne Bennett, who has been with the players since they went into camp last Sunday.