Kalyn Ponga broke down in tears after Newcastle's 22-14 win over Penrith, embracing Sandon Smith as the final siren sounded.
"It was just nine years of work at this club, bottled up into Sandon and taking that intercept," Ponga told AAP.
"It all hit me at once."
The win sent the Knights to Sunday's decider against the Sydney Roosters, with Ponga poised to join Paul Harragon and Andrew Johns as a Newcastle grand-final captain.
The 28-year-old's emergence as the club's leader marks a change for a player whose commitment was often questioned.
"It probably didn't really frustrate me," Ponga said. "I've always wanted to win here."
He acknowledged that problems at the club had given critics reason to doubt him.
Named captain in 2022, Ponga signed in April to stay through the end of 2030.
Former Knight Timana Tahu said Ponga "deserves to win" after shouldering pressure in Newcastle for nine years.
"He could have jumped out many times, but there were many times he ended up sticking to his guns," Tahu said.
Harragon, Johns and Michael Hagan have also praised Ponga's growth, while crediting coach Justin Holbrook with easing the burden on him.
Newcastle's attack is more balanced, giving Ponga opportunities on both sides of the field.
"I don't feel like I have to do everything now. I've got players around me. We've got a team," Ponga said.
He credited the coaching staff and teammates for giving him freedom to focus on his role.
As Newcastle chase a rise from wooden spooners to premiers, Ponga said he was proud to have stayed.