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The painful memory of a lost final remains fresh for first five-eighth Beauden Barrett, who says it will spur on the Hurricanes in the new Super Rugby season.

The Hurricanes were favourites at home for this year's title decider in July but fell to the Highlanders 21-14, leaving them as the only New Zealand team still to land a championship.

At the launch of the New Zealand franchises' 2016 jerseys in Auckland on Monday, an avid Hurricanes fan joked that he was still receiving counselling over that defeat.

It's a match that is still in the forefront of Barrett's mind as well.

"Absolutely, we don't need any more motivation than remembering the pain of the final," he said.

"It's a game of inches and you have to take your opportunities. Anyone on the day can win, so there are valuable lessons there." The 36-Test All Blacks back will be part of a new look Hurricanes backline when the expanded 18-team competition starts in February.

Gone is the hugely experienced midfield pairing of Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith who, like Barrett, were part of the All Blacks' World Cup final victory over Australia at Twickenham just over five weeks ago.

Nonu and skipper Smith are both continuing their careers with French clubs.

Barrett admits it will be a big challenge for those stepping in but he's confident they can do what's expected of them.

"They're all talented players and they have to understand that they've earned their spot at the Hurricanes," he said.

"It took Conrad and Ma'a years of experience to get to where they are now, so I'm sure if they just do their thing and are willing to learn, they'll be fine."

While the 24-year-old Barrett doesn't have to be part of Hurricanes' pre-season training yet, he is going to join up with the squad for the rest of this week.

"I'm in Wellington anyway and I'm doing my own training," he said.

"It will be good to throw the ball around and get a feel of the culture and the team spirit."