Penrith and Newcastle will meet in the finals for the first time, despite contesting 60 matches since the Knights joined the competition in 1988.
The Panthers are chasing a sixth grand final appearance in seven seasons, while Newcastle's remarkable revival has carried them to their first preliminary final since 2013.
Newcastle finished 2025 with the wooden spoon but climbed to seventh this season, then defeated South Sydney and the Warriors.
The Knights' determined victory at Eden Park last Sunday revived hopes of their first premiership since 2001.
They face the modern era's most successful team, which has enjoyed a week's rest and wants to respond after Brisbane ended its campaign in last year's preliminary final.
Penrith enters as clear favourite, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards expected to drive another grand final push.
Cleary has been selected despite injuring his foot against the Roosters, while Blaize Talagi remains at centre after replacing Luke Garner, who had a groin problem.
Jack Cogger returns from suspension, with Garner joining him on the bench. Jesse McLean and Freddy Lussick are omitted, while Lindsay Smith moves to prop and Yeo returns to the starting side.
Izack Tago is among the reserves as he seeks to overcome a knee injury.
Justin Holbrook has named the same 19-man Newcastle squad that defeated the Warriors. Dylan Lucas played 14 minutes after recovering from a fractured ankle and is expected to receive more bench time.
Kyle McCarthy, Toby Winter and Elijah Salesa Leaumoana complete the wider squad.
Statistics were supplied by David Middleton of League Information Services, author of the NRL's official annual.