Before that, he could play for Cessnock in the Newcastle Rugby League grand final.

But the knock 'em down Knights winger hopes to delay his surgery for another month and miss out on the Goannas' grab for glory at No.1 Sportsground on September 13 so he can play in his first National Rugby League finals.

The Knights have to beat Penrith at EnergyAustralia Stadium tomorrow for that to happen, and the 22-year-old Tongan international is primed for his biggest game of the year.

After playing just one game in the first 21 rounds, Vuna has started in the past four for Newcastle.

He scored a try in their 26-14 victory over the Storm, was players' player in their 32-26 win against the Cowboys and crossed for a brace of tries in their 30-14 loss to the Raiders in Canberra on Monday.

Vuna said the Knights were disappointed about losing to Canberra and squandering an opportunity to secure a finals berth but were determined not to blow their second chance.

"After the Canberra game, everyone's been real switched on and focused this week and just in that mood of trying to get back into the finals," he said.

Vuna, who has qualified for Cessnock's title decider against the winner of today's preliminary final between Wyong and Kurri Kurri, said he would happily take his place if the Panthers won.

"But I'd rather be playing in the finals with the Knights," he said.

Despite injuries to Taniela Tuiaki (broken leg) and Manu Vatuvei (knee), Vuna dismissed any suggestion he could be a bolter for New Zealand's Quad Nations Test squad, because he needs to go under the knife as soon as his playing commitments end.

Though he has been in Newcastle only since mid-2007, Vuna has been educated well by team leaders Kurt Gidley and Steve Simpson about the significance of aiming up in front of the club's Old Boys in the last home game each year.

Panthers coach Matt Elliott will trim his 19-man squad to 17 today.

Knights back-rower Zeb Taia (shoulder) is expected to be ruled out and replaced by Cory Paterson.