Tyson Frizell has played more than 300 NRL games, but Sunday's Grand Final against the Roosters will be his first.
The 34-year-old Newcastle forward has spent 16 years pursuing a chance to compete for a premiership.
He played 165 matches for St George Illawarra before joining Newcastle in 2021.
Frizell is off contract for 2027 and has been linked with a move to Sydney, making Sunday potentially his final game in Newcastle colours.
He said, "I don't know when my time is up and my years left to chase a premiership have shortened a lot.
"You don't want to let these opportunities slip and I waited a long time to get myself to this point."
Frizell missed the team's bus back to Newcastle after its win over the Panthers because he was travelling to his grandfather's funeral.
"To see social media and how much it meant to so many people, it's a privilege," he smiled.
The Knights' run has brought the city back to the Grand Final after a 25-year wait.
Frizell said returning with the premiership would matter deeply: "It would be life changing."