Kalyn Ponga believes Newcastle's remarkable return to the Grand Final can be "the start of something special", but has warned the Knights will have to earn their opportunity all over again.
Speaking to ESPN after the Grand Final loss to the Sydney Roosters, Ponga balanced pride in Newcastle's turnaround with the disappointment of falling short of the premiership.
The Knights' rise from wooden spooners to grand finalists has given their captain reason to believe in the club's future. It has also reinforced how much a title would mean to the community they represent.
"We obviously know the responsibility that we have as players representing this proud community, and this year, I think we've done that well," Ponga said.
"I do feel like this is the start of something special for this club and this community.
"They deserve a premiership. They deserve to be winning."
The defeat was still raw when Ponga reflected on a season that transformed Newcastle's fortunes.
While the ending was painful, it did not erase the enjoyment he had taken from the journey or his pride in the group.
"Oh man, I've enjoyed so much of it," he said.
"Yeah, it is hard, but hopefully for this group, this club and this town, it's only the beginning. There is so much to look forward to.
"I think the youth that's coming through is exciting, but at the same token, nothing's given. You've got to earn everything again.
"I'm so proud of this season, for sure."
That warning was a recurring theme in Ponga's assessment. Newcastle have given themselves a foundation to build on, but their captain is conscious that one Grand Final appearance guarantees little about the next campaign.
Asked what gave him confidence the Knights could continue competing for premierships, Ponga pointed to the club's position, the hunger of its established players and the emerging talent around them.
"I think the club's in a good position," he said.
"It takes a good club to win games and put yourselves in positions to win.
"We're still hungry. The ultimate prize is to win a comp, and there's a lot in this group who haven't done that.
"But there's a lot of boys in this group that have been here for a long time and want it so bad."
For Ponga, the combination of those experienced players and youngsters still at the beginning of their NRL careers offers encouragement.
"You sprinkle in some of the youth that's coming through -- 20-year-olds that have played 10 games, 21-year-olds, 22-year-olds -- it is exciting," he said.
"I just don't want to get lost through it, though. We've got to work hard."
Ponga was equally measured when asked whether the loss could become a catalyst for sustained success, as Penrith's 2020 Grand Final defeat preceded their run of premierships.
He resisted drawing a parallel with Nathan Cleary and the Panthers.
"It's hard to compare," Ponga said.
"What Nath's done and that Penrith club has done is remarkable. It's hard to compare this position.
"At the moment, we're just a team that's lost a Grand Final.
"Like I said, there is a lot to look forward to, but it's hard to look past that."
There was no attempt to rush beyond the disappointment. The hope was there, but so was an understanding of the work required to turn it into something more.
Ponga's final message was for the supporters who had followed Newcastle through the turnaround.
"I just want to say thank you for the support," he said. "It's been unreal."