Cody Hopgood was seven when Newcastle last reached a preliminary final in 2013; now he is preparing to face Penrith with the Knights.
Before their match against the Warriors, Hopgood said his task was to run directly at James Fisher-Harris.
In the studio, Brandy Alexander smiled and suggested he reconsider, but Hopgood did just that.
Newcastle earned this opportunity with a 12-10 semi-final victory in Auckland, setting up a preliminary final against Penrith at Accor Stadium.
The Knights have been dismissed by pundits, while Penrith again appear a formidable opponent.
Yet Newcastle's recent campaign has turned on decisive moments: Dane Gagai's backhand pass to Dom Young, Bradman Best's break that set up Fletcher Sharpe, and Phoenix Crossland's repeated interventions to stop attacking chances.
Coach Justin Holbrook will hope the team remains underestimated, as it was heading into the Warriors clash.
The current side is a striking contrast to Newcastle's 2025 campaign, when a 66-10 round 27 defeat to Parramatta confirmed the wooden spoon.
After that loss, Adam O'Brien said: "the town doesn't deserve a performance like that given what they sit through. Right now I need to be honest. That's not good enough tonight."