The Kangaroos will be drawing on the famous Anzac spirit New Zealand in Friday night's historic Test match against New Zealand at a sold-out Canberra Stadium.
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Australia goes into the inaugural rugby league international in the ACT as an overwhelming favourite having won the past 13 mid-year clashes with the Kiwis.
The Kangaroos spent Thursday morning at the Australian War Memorial, a day after both teams were involved in a gala dinner at Parliament House featuring decorated soldiers from both countries.
Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith said the stories of the war heroes put what they did on the football field into perspective.
''Last night was a really special night, I was really quite surprised how in-depth they spoke about what happened overseas and their mateship with their fellow soldiers,'' Smith said.
''It's the first time we've gone in-depth with the Anzac spirit.
''The clear message from those guys is you never let your teammate down.
''A lot of people talk about rugby league players go into battle, but compare to what they do it's very minuscule.
''On Friday, we have a battle of our own.''
The rugby league Test is the jewel in the crown of Canberra's sporting calendar as part of the city's Centenary celebrations.
A capacity crowd of around 26,000 is expected, with less than 2000 tickets available as of Wednesday night.
Having spent a decade living in Canberra during his tenure with the Raiders, Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said he couldn't have asked for anything more out of the build-up to the game.
''In the Anzac setting it's been great and for the centenary for the city it's been another bonus,'' Sheens said.
''Whether we get another game here is not for me to say.
''But being a 10-year Canberran from the old days, I wouldn't mind playing here again.''
New Zealand's chances of causing an upset took a blow when it lost powerful forward Sonny Bill Williams and the mercurial Benji Marshall to injury, and Jeremy Smith to suspension.
But despite their status as massive underdogs, New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney believes his side is edging towards overcoming their mid-season hoodoo.
''We've got closer with our performances over the last three Anzac Day Tests,'' Kearney said.
''Eighty per cent of the group have been there for the last three or four years.
''We've got some really good talent coming through and we believe we give ourselves a really good chance tomorrow night.''
Kearney said halfback Shaun Johnson had proven his fitness and would line-up in the halves alongside Manly star Kieran Foran.
