Jett Cleary made a strong impression on the NRL with an outstanding display, leading the Warriors to a vital 46-32 victory over a 12-man Newcastle.
A win at Go Media Stadium on Sunday would nearly secure a home qualifying final for the Warriors, but they faced a challenge when halfback Te Maire Martin was sidelined due to a hamstring issue.
This situation led to 21-year-old debutant Cleary stepping in alongside two-game five-eighth Luke Hanson.
The new halves pairing, encouraged by the presence of Cleary's brother Nathan and father Ivan, demonstrated remarkable poise against a tenacious Newcastle side.
Cleary's performance included three try assists and 220 kicking metres, aided by Knights prop Jacob Saifiti's red card in the 12th minute for a high tackle on club debutant Luke Laulilii, who later failed his HIA.
Although back-rower Jermaine McEwen scored for Newcastle shortly after, the Warriors rallied, notching eight tries to three, keeping their hopes alive for their first minor premiership since 2002.
"I think we had 11 players under the age of 23, and (we) held the nerve," said coach Andrew Webster.
"He (Cleary) came up with a couple of big plays ... he got the night going.
"I knew that he had that in him ... not being scared of certainly getting roughed up."
With 40 points and a +309 margin, the Warriors need to defeat Manly on Saturday while hoping second-placed Penrith (also 40 points, +308) loses or wins by a lesser margin.
Adding to Newcastle's woes, back-rower Francis Manuleleua dislocated his shoulder and is set for scans.
With a 14-10 record, the Knights will ponder their missed opportunity with 13 players, now relying on the Sydney Roosters to defeat South Sydney on Friday for a home final.
"This time of year, every team wants their best players on the field, so it would be nice if the send-off was enough," coach Justin Holbrook remarked about Saifiti's tackle, which he admitted looked awkward.
"We wanted to win, so it secured the home final. To be honest, I'm not fussed if we play home or away."
Newcastle struck first with Fletcher Hunt's try, followed by Manuleleua's score.
However, Saifiti's sending-off changed the tide of the match, despite McEwen's try.
Warriors players Jacob Laban, hooker Wayde Egan, lock Erin Clark, and substitute Demitric Vaimauga capitalized on the disorganized defense of the Knights, while Hunt managed to score again, leaving the halftime score at 22-20.
After Ali Leiataua and Adam Pompey gave the Warriors a strong lead, winger Greg Marzhew quickly responded for Newcastle, narrowing the gap.
Ultimately, winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Laban sealed the thrilling victory.