Andrew Johns won premierships as Newcastle's No. 7 in 1997 and 2001.
Now 23-year-old Sandon Smith is aiming to become only the second halfback to represent the Knights in a grand final, when they face the Roosters on Sunday night.
A victory would make him the second player to win a premiership as the club's halfback, after Johns.
Smith has tried to sidestep comparisons with the club legend throughout the week.
"It does make me feel a bit uncomfortable to be in the same sentence as Joey," Smith told foxsports.com.au.
He said the earlier grand finals could inspire the team.
"We'll look at those 1997 and 2001 grand finals and we'll draw a bit of inspiration from those guys because they were the pinnacle of this club and they paved the way for us."