Justin Holbrook's attacking system has helped Kalyn Ponga produce his most influential club season, with Newcastle now preparing for a semi-final against the Warriors at Eden Park.
The sold-out Auckland match offers the Knights a chance to secure their first finals victory in New Zealand. Three years ago, the Warriors defeated them 40-10 across the Tasman.
Ponga has recorded 14 try assists and 12 linebreaks this season, surpassing the impact of his spectacular 2023 campaign, when he inspired nine straight wins and claimed the Dally M Medal.
Bradman Best said the Māori All Star had arrived in New Zealand with a determined mindset.
"He's grown into his leadership role," Best told NRL.com. "He's the captain of the club and what he's doing off the field is translating to the field."
Injuries previously restricted Ponga's influence, despite Queensland State of Origin success and a 2016 finals debut for the Cowboys. Newcastle recruited him two years later.
Best said Ponga was now "taking his footy seriously" and setting higher standards at training and during matches.
His form has also benefited halves Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe, as Newcastle effectively operates with three playmakers.
Smith joined the Knights partly to play beside Ponga and said, "One of my roles is to get Kalyn good ball and that's part of my job that I enjoy doing."