Angus Crichton will again provide impact from the bench when the Sydney Roosters face the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
The Australian Test forward feared his NRL career had ended after surgery for a stress-related foot fracture in June. He used crutches for eight weeks before returning within the surgeon's projected 12-week timeframe.
Crichton played 30 minutes in the semi-final victory over Cronulla, running 88 metres and breaking four tackles. A similar role is expected against the Dolphins.
"This is who I am, this is my life and I've been in this club for eight years now," Crichton said.
He has been a starting backrower since early 2024, but Salesi Foketi and Suia Wong's form means he accepts a substitute role, despite a possible move to rugby union next year.
"I'm not expecting to walk straight into that (starting) role. I'm a big believer in the team and whatever the team needs," Crichton said.
Crichton joined the Roosters' 2019 premiership side, which has reached the finals every season since without returning to the decider.
"There's only one way I want to leave this club," he said, insisting the Roosters "deserves success and it demands success."