Sandon Smith has been writing his own scripts as Newcastle's halfback for the past two months.
And when it comes to the final act, there is a very obvious fairytale ending he wants against his old club the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
"There's not a better one," Smith told AAP.
"I can't wait to get out there against them. I've still got a few good buddies over there, so can't wait to get out there.
"I've said it a few times tonight. Internally, we believe we can win, and we got so much belief in this squad, and can't wait to get out there and rip in."
Newcastle's run from last year's wooden spoon to seventh on this year's ladder and into Sunday's decider is the fairytale story of the finals.
But Smith's journey over the past 12 months is perhaps the biggest rollercoaster of all.
It was this time last year he was being squeezed out of the Roosters, the man effectively making way for Daly Cherry-Evans.
"They were transparent with me, and I've got no (ill-feelings) to the club," Smith said.
"I love the club and love my time there. But I'm a Knight now, and I'm so happy to be part of this squad and this group.
"We've got so much belief internally in what we can do, and we're going to go after next year."
Not even this year has been easy for Smith.
While he followed former Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook to Newcastle, Smith still wasn't in the Knights' first-choice side until Dylan Brown ruptured his ACL in July.
Come Sunday, the 23-year-old will join Andrew Johns as only the second man to play halfback for Newcastle in a grand final.
"Justin constantly reassured me to keep my head down, keep enjoying myself, keep getting better because it's a long off-season and a long season," Smith said.
"He kept saying your moment will come and you need to be ready when it does to take it with both hands."
Smith has since done precisely that, all the while writing his own scripts.
Taking lessons from Brown about staying calm in the big moments, he has freed up the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Fletcher Sharpe in the Knights' attack.
Then at the crunch on Sunday afternoon against Penrith, it was Smith who was the star.
He ran the ball on the last to get Newcastle back to 14-10 down after halftime and then caught Penrith off guard when he sprinted 50 metres from a tap to score.
And with the Panthers attacking in the final minute, the No.7 latched onto an intercept and went 90 metres to seal the game.
"I didn't know if I could make it. My legs were hanging on there for dear life," Smith said.
"There was so much emotion. I think a few tears came out, but also excitement and disbelief, like what's even going on?
"I can't put into words what it's been like this year having this feeling, it's such a special time. And we've got one more to go, and we'll be the ultimate fairytale."