South Sydney are confident off the back of consecutive strong performances, welcoming a return to finals and extra determination to get the job done in this weekend's do-or-die meeting with Newcastle, a few of their stars have shared.
The Bunnies return to finals footy for the first time since 2022 when they host the Knights at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, after locking down a sixth-spot finish and posting a 50-20 win over the Roosters to wrap the home and away season.
Four years ago, they worked their way from an elimination final and seventh on the ladder to their fifth straight preliminary final appearance.
Speaking this week, Alex Johnston said the club's confidence "will only grow from there" should they be able to progress to a semi final.
"We've also got a big game this week, and we need to do a great job this week to get a big win. And our conference won't agree from there," he said.
Asked if Souths can be the first side in the NRL era to win the premiership from outside the top four, Johnston responded simply with "you bet".
The winger already added to his silverware draw, earning his fourth Ken Ivrine Medal as the regular season's top try scorer with a tally of 30 — tied with Penriths' Thomas Jenkins.
Souths are also welcoming back second rower and Indigenous All Star Tallis Duncan, who sat out the Roosters clash with hamstring tightness.
It comes as finals boosted by a host of First Nations guns returning to their line ups this weekend.
Cronulla's halves pairing is back to it's usual look with Braydon Trindall back after a fortnight out with a shoulder injury, and a rested Nicho Hynes slotting into no.7 after his rest from last weekend's loss to Melbourne.
The Sharks host the Cowboys, who'll be with Reuben Cotter after he was cleared to play at the judiciary this week, in the other elimination final.
The Dolphins take a strong side into their first ever finals appearance with Selywn Cobbo fit from an ankle injury, with the task of travelling to Auckland to face the Warriors.
Notably, the Roosters have named 13 inclusions to face minor premiers Penrith after opting to rest a list of star players against the Bunnies last weekend.
For Souths, David Fifita said he will be honouring his father's legacy against the Knights and in being back in finals, after his loss 12 months ago.
"I do everything for Dad, and I know he's looking down on me, and I hope I'm making him and my mum proud," Fifita said this week, ahead of playing in his first final since a 2021 one-point fifth v eighth loss to the Roosters while at the Titans.
"I loved my dad. I cherish the moments - I still have all the videos and all the calls on my phone, stuff like that.
Fifita said it was also good to reconnect with coach Wayne Bennett, who he first met through the Broncos juniors system, and his dad also had affection for as a Broncos fan, going "full-circle" in joining the Rabbtiohs this year.
Latrell Mitchell is also looking forward to continuing his return from injury at the pointy end of the year.
Mitchell told reporters this week the bulging disc that curtailed his season had him doubting whether there was a return on cards for 2026.
"I didn't really know if I was going to play again this year," Mitchell said, before "turning a corner".
"I was biting at the bit," he said.
Now back in the side, missing months before being cleared to play a three weeks ago, he's focused on consistency.
"I love finals footy. I love big games. I've been and done it. So for me, it's about just adding my value and experience now, and just doing it consistently.
And that's the biggest thing. I've just come back and put a full focus on the team and my job, and that's it."
