Four years on, Jahrome Hughes is still shouldering responsibility for New Zealand's heartbreaking Rugby League World Cup exit.

Hughes can't shake the guilt he feels for his role in the 16-14 semi-final loss to Australia that devastated the Kiwis back in 2022.

The halfback is using that anguish as fuel for this year's tournament, especially their opening game, a re-match against their trans-Tasman rivals.

"Getting so close in 2022 in the World Cup and losing to Australia in the semi-final, I still hold a bit of fire in my belly from that," Hughes said.

"I take a lot of blame for losing that game."

Since then, the playmaker has won the 2024 Dally M medal in Melbourne colours and led the Kiwis to a thumping 30-0 victory over Australia in the 2023 Pacific Championships.

But the 31-year-old hasn't pulled on a Kiwis jersey since that 2023 triumph.

A neck injury kept Hughes out of the 2024 national squad, and shoulder surgery sidelined him from New Zealand's successful 2025 Pacific Championships.

Wearing the black and white jersey again will be very special for the proud Maori man.

"I've dreamed of putting these colours on since I was a young kid," Hughes said.

"I've had a couple of years away from them. It just makes you realise you can't take this jersey for granted.

"The last couple of years have been tough, different injuries and not being able to play.

"I'm one of the older guys now, but I felt like a little kid coming back into camp yesterday and seeing everyone."

It has been 18 years since the Kiwis hoisted the World Cup trophy, with Australia winning the past three editions.

Hughes hopes to continue driving momentum behind rugby league in New Zealand, fanning the flames lit by the success of the Warriors in the NRL.

"Just thinking back to 2008 when I was a kid and seeing how that win made me feel, if we were able to lift that trophy at the end of this World Cup, the things it would do for the kids back home in New Zealand and all the supporters back home, it would be truly special," he said.

"Especially seeing the way our game has grown over there. It's credit to the Warriors, all the hype they've got over there and all the new fans they've got. They're doing a great job.

"For us to win it, it would be really special, not just for us players but for the whole country."

Australian Associated Press