NSW State of Origin second-rower Dylan Lucas completed running drills on Tuesday, in his unlikely bid to return from a dislocated ankle against the Warriors.
Lucas is long odds to play in Auckland on Sunday eight weeks after his injury, but the fact he is even training bodes well for a return later in the finals if Newcastle continue their unlikely charge.
In his absence, Newcastle have unleashed two powerhouses.
Jermaine McEwen was Newcastle's best in the elimination-final win over South Sydney, scoring twice and running 187 metres.
Francis Manuleleua has been as damaging on the left, rattling Cameron Murray with a hit last week even if he was called offside.
"I just wanted to go after every moment," McEwen said.
"We all spoke to each other that we'll leave everything out on the field and that's what happened.
"The Knights have given me everything and I believe in the coach Justin (Holbrook). He's allowed me to be the greatest version of myself on that field."
McEwen has taken time to adapt to being an 80-minute edge forward this year, but his triumph was clear when he slammed down a crucial second-half try.
"My parents and my family were right in front of me. I just looked at them and I was like hell yeah," he said.
"That was the best moment I have ever had in my footy career. I will hold it forever."
This year has also been something of a rollercoaster for McEwen, with his campaign including a one-match ban in June for a drink-driving charge.
"We're all human. And just because I play footy doesn't mean anything. In those circumstances, with the rollercoaster, that has taught me a lot in life," McEwen said.
"I feel like people can either shy away from it or own up to it. I am just proud that I am where I stand right now.
"I wanted to show up for the fans and show them what I could do, and repay them in that way.
"Because I know how much the town speaks to this club and this club has on the town. I wanted to repay them with good footy."
On the other edge, Manuleleua has been bowling defenders over for fun since returning in round 20.
Perhaps most remarkable is the contrast between his current form and vision of him as a skilful halfback at age 14.
"My ball-playing skills are always there, but I haven't had the need to use it during the game," he said.
"I only bring it out when it's needed.
"Justin always tells me I don't need to do all the fancy stuff, just do my job. That's what's helping with my footy right now."
Manuleleua was moved from the wing to halves by the father of Warriors centre Ali Leiataua as a kid in Auckland.
He will return home this week, ready to go with the same no-fear approach that helped him take on David Fifita last week.
"Warriors are a top-four team, and everyone thought they'd be in the prelim," he said.
"A loss (to the Dolphins) makes them more hungry.
"So it's going to be a dangerous team that we're playing. If we take that same mindset that we took in against Bunnies, it'll help us heaps."
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