Nathan Fien is drawing greater motivation from the Kiwis' last-up defeat than their World Cup heroics a year ago as he prepares for the inaugural Four Nations rugby league tournament.

Fien was one of the stars of New Zealand's cup campaign, twice named man of the match in the latter stages of the event after he was switched from hooker to halfback.

But the Kiwis' success, which culminated in a shock 34-20 win over hot favourites Australia in the final in Brisbane last November, was history, he said in Auckland.

Fien pointed instead to the 38-10 loss New Zealand suffered to the same opponents and at the same venue in May.

"It's a great feat what we did last year, winning the World Cup, but that tournament is gone now, it means nothing," he said.

"We were disappointing in the Anzac Test this year. This competition is another way for us to earn the respect that we're world champions."

Fien was used at five-eighth in the Anzac fixture, partnering skipper Benji Marshall in the halves.

He said he had no idea where he would operate in the one-off Test against Tonga in Rotorua next Wednesday, a dress rehearsal for the Kiwis before they leave for the Four Nations in England and France.

"I'm happy to play anywhere and to get the opportunity to put the black jersey on again," he said.

"Whether that's at halfback, hooker, five-eighth, winger or prop, I'm happy to do the job."

Despite his performances in the World Cup, Fien was given an early release by the New Zealand Warriors mid-season, after four-and-a-half years and more than 100 appearances.

He joined St George Illawarra, leaving a club struggling near the bottom of the NRL for one that was flying high.

"For me personally, it was a great move football-wise," he said.

"I got to play in a team that won the minor premiership and I got to play finals football again, which is also fantastic."

The Dragons have two representatives in the Kiwis squad in Fien and winger Jason Nightingale but only one, Brett Morris, in the Australian party after he was called up for the injured Israel Folau.

"I'm not worried about the Aussies to be honest," Fien said.

"Obviously, there have been a number of solid performances at the Dragons this year ... but I'm Kiwi and I'm just focused on our squad and on what we can do."

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