The Dolphins are contesting their first finals series only four seasons after entering the NRL, and 2026 has taken them to a preliminary final.
Jeremy Marshall-King made his finals debut during the qualifying final in New Zealand, an occasion he had anticipated for years.
"It was a pretty incredible experience for myself. It's taken me a long time to get there" Marshall-King said.
Playing finals football in his home country made the moment especially meaningful for the hooker.
"I just pretty much soaked it in and enjoyed that moment, especially back home in New Zealand as well. It was something special."
The Dolphins will now face their biggest home occasion at Suncorp Stadium, with a Grand Final place at stake.
Marshall-King expects the Brisbane crowd to provide the same energy he experienced across the Tasman.
"We know we're going to be at Suncorp. It'll be a big crowd," he said.
"A lot of Phins fans are ready to see [us]."
Rather than look beyond the next match, Marshall-King believes the squad must value an opportunity that may not return soon.
"This time of the year, you want to be playing," he said.
"It's exciting. You've just got to soak it in because you never know when it's going to come around again.
"You've got to take each day as it comes."
He credited the Dolphins' progress to their unity and refusal to let one another down.
"The biggest thing for us as a club and as a group is the connection as players," he said.
Marshall-King remains confident after four years of growth, urging the Dolphins to embrace their historic chance.
"I've got a lot of confidence in that group. It's just exciting for us at the club," he said.