AUSTRALIA prop Petero Civoniceva insists "revenge" is the priority for the Kangaroos as they head into tomorrow's Tri-Nations final.

New Zealand humiliated the Australians at Elland Road on November 26 last year, posting a resounding 24-0 victory against opponents who had won the first two editions of the series, in 1999 and 2004.

The result was a jolt for Australian rugby league.

A year on and coach Ricky Stuart's side are determined to reassert themselves as the No1 team in the world.

Australia were assured of their place in the final from the moment New Zealand were docked two points for fielding ineligible hooker Nathan Fien, giving them plenty of time to size up their likely opposition.

"The final's been coming for a while now, and I know the boys have been really looking forward to getting it going," said Civoniceva.

"We've put a lot of hard work in over the last couple of weeks and the most important thing for us now is applying that tomorrow night.

"Hopefully we can get the job done and get some revenge for what was a disappointing end to the season last year."

Off the back of the defeat in Leeds, Civoniceva lost weight and helped the Brisbane Broncos recover from a five-match losing streak late in the season to win the NRL Premiership.

He said: "You start the season just wanting to play some consistent football, and to be part of representative sides is always a huge honour.

"Now this is our chance - one last 80 minutes - to finally put those bad memories aside."

Since naming a weakened team to face Great Britain on November 4 at Aussie Stadium - scene of tomorrow's final - Australia have been fully focused on the showpiece occasion.

They lost on that occasion to Brian Noble's side, but hit back last weekend to beat the same opposition 33-10 and look to be shaping up well for the Kiwis clash.

Bookmakers make them firm favourites and Civoniceva is hopeful of rounding off the year in style.

"It's certainly been a long season, but in saying that, after the Grand Final it's just a great bonus to be selected to play for your country," he said.

"We've battled away with Origin and semi-final series, and playing for your country is the highest achievement you can get so I know we all want to wear our country's colours, perform to the best of our ability and hopefully bring the title back to Australia."