Salesi Foketi and Suia Wong's form has left Angus Crichton content to continue as an impact substitute for the Roosters' finals campaign.
Crichton returned from foot surgery during the Roosters' semi-final victory over Cronulla, running 88 metres and breaking four tackles in 30 minutes.
He is expected to play a similar role against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, despite previously starting every match as an 80-minute backrower since early 2024.
A stress-related fracture required surgery in June, eight weeks on crutches and a 12-week recovery, matching his surgeon's forecast.
For three months, however, the Australian Test player feared the injury had ended his NRL career, with a switch to rugby union due next year.
"This is who I am, this is my life and I've been in this club for eight years now," Crichton said.
"I love this club, I love the boys, I'm so determined to come back and be part of this."
Although he remained sore after facing Cronulla, Crichton embraced a high-energy bench assignment.
"I (was) still sore (afterwards) but playing that kamikaze role off the bench I thought I'd be able to deliver. Especially when the adrenaline hits."
He joined the Roosters in 2019 and won a premiership in his first season. They have reached the finals annually since, without returning to a decider.
"There's only one way I want to leave this club," Crichton said, insisting the Roosters deserve success.