Justin Holbrook has helped Kalyn Ponga lead Newcastle without copying a traditional captain's persona.
"Justin's done a good job at just allowing me to be me," Ponga told AAP.
"In the past I almost felt like I had to be someone else."
Ponga and 15 teammates will face Penrith on Sunday in Newcastle's first preliminary final.
His emotional response after defeating the Warriors last Sunday reflected the significance of the occasion, with Ponga saying he felt like crying.
Questions about his Newcastle commitment have followed Ponga, including the 2019 "strawberry thickshake" controversy and repeated exit rumours.
Those doubts have faded since he signed through 2030 earlier this year, with Newcastle holding an option to extend the deal until 2032.
Knights great Matthew Johns has also highlighted Ponga's leadership growth, which the fullback attributes partly to Holbrook's support.
"I know where my strengths are, I know how I can influence this team and Justin's just allowed me to do that."
Ponga is touching the ball slightly less in 2026, yet has produced 10 additional linebreaks and five more try assists.
Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith have taken greater responsibility for organising attacks, freeing Ponga to threaten from the edges.
"I don't feel the burden of doing everything," Ponga said.
Second-rower Dylan Lucas said Ponga's passion and commitment should no longer be doubted.
"He has a lot of care for the club and the boys and the staff in it. But he's definitely grown as a leader this year and over the past couple of years."