Since becoming St George Illawarra head coach in July, Dean Young has prioritised building the club's next generation of leaders while pursuing short-term success.
During their off-season break, emerging players joined Young at Sunday's Newcastle-Penrith preliminary final at Homebush, watched by 57,102 fans.
The group included Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Ryan and Toby Couchman, Jacob Halangahu, Kade Reed, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga and Daniel Atkinson.
Young wanted them to experience the finals atmosphere and understand its greater intensity compared with regular-season matches.
"That's where we want to be," Young said of the trip.
The players have also received guidance from former players and professionals, and spent the past two seasons observing leaders Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson.
Young said the pair were signed to strengthen leadership at the club, bringing contrasting styles for younger players to learn from.
"We've got the foundation of a really good future leadership group," he added.
He said emerging leaders would be chosen for their ability to influence the squad and their conduct, not simply because they were homegrown.
The group also saw Newcastle reach its first Grand Final in 25 years, one season after finishing 17th.
Young praised the Knights but said St George Illawarra should build its own foundations rather than copy their path.
Six new players are due to arrive in November, but Young said signings alone would not transform the club.
He wants the squad to share the work of education and development, and is excited to begin that process in November.