Sam Walker returned 27 days after a syndesmosis injury and orchestrated Sydney Roosters' 36-20 preliminary-final win over the Dolphins.
The result sends the Roosters to their first NRL grand final in seven years, with Trent Robinson seeking a fourth premiership from four attempts.
Before 52,286 fans at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, the Roosters built a 16-0 lead inside 27 minutes.
Mark Nawaqanitawase intercepted Herbie Farnworth's pass in the 18th minute and ran 90 metres to score.
He crossed twice and later collected a kick, flicking the ball back for Robert Toia to score.
"It's incredible to watch him play. It's pretty rare, such a care-free, instinctive player," Robinson said of the Japanese rugby-bound winger.
The Dolphins had won eight consecutive games to reach their first preliminary final, but Jamayne Isaako's tries either side of halftime could not turn the match.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said: "It was a great take from Mark ... if he doesn't take that, we score (and) we didn't quite recover."
Roosters hooker Connor Watson left with a category-one HIA, upgraded by the independent doctor, and is expected to miss the grand final.
Asked whether Watson would seek an exemption, Robinson said "watch this space"; Watson was having further tests after the match.
Victor Radley's availability is also uncertain after he was reported for a hip-drop tackle on Farnworth; Robinson believed Farnworth's legs were already grounded.
Walker finished with ice strapped to his leg, but Robinson declared him "fine".