The Jets, since winning their inaugural premiership in 2014, have only played finals footy once (2015) - after just missing out the past two seasons.

Whereas the Knights have qualified for three straight grand finals, including a 34-year drought breaking win in 2019.

That finals experience could be pivotal come Sunday at the Kiama Showground, as the hosts won this corresponding fixture, at this very venue, last season against Warilla-Lake South, which was the start of a fairytale run.

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"We obviously wanted to be in that top three, to get a second bite of the cherry but it wasn't to be," Kiama captain Kieran Poole said.

"It might be a little bit of an advantage the fact the majority of our squad have been in this position before but regardless of that, it won't change our mindset, which is winning every game of footy we play.

"Momentum is a wonderful thing in finals footy and we showed that last year and so it's up to us to get that ball rolling against Nowra on Sunday."

Much to the skipper's delight, this match could mark the first time Matt Clarke's troops have been at full strength since round one - with Cam Vazzoler, Tom Atkins and Daniel Martin all shaking off knocks sustained against Albion Park-Oak Flats, while Tom Harris (shoulder) is in the mix to return.

"It was great to have the weekend off last round, giving a number of our guys a chance to freshen up, ahead of what we hope is a deep finals run," he said.

"It's been a big season for all the boys and they are all raring to go and it doesn't get much better than starting your premiership finals defence on your home ground."

The Knights and Jets met just four weeks ago, with the premiers holding on for a gutsy 28-24 win.

"We did beat the Jets a couple of weeks ago but I don't see it having any bearing on this game," Poole said.

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"We know how dangerous of a side they can be and if they're on, they can beat anyone in the competition.

"It's up to us to control the ball and then defend well, especially against strike players like Dylan Farrell and Ryan James.

"With it being an elimination game, we expect them to throw absolutely everything at us."

While the Jets might not have finals experience as a collective unit, a number of their players, including former Dragons NSW Cup player Jason Gillard, have individual finals success throughout their careers.

However, what they lack in experience, Gillard believes they will bring in enthusiasm - as this appearance has been five years in the making for the Bomaderry Sporting Complex-based side.

"There's a lot of excitement around the club at the moment," Gillard said.

"Having just missed out in recent years, we are all over the moon to achieve our first goal, which was making the finals.

"However, the hard work starts now, as we try and achieve our second goal, which is a premiership.

"As you saw with Kiama last year, we're not too worried about starting in fifth, because at the end of the day, you've got to beat everyone and I'm confident we have the team to do so."

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The Jets, unlike the Knights, come into the match on the back of a round 10 victory.

"Heading into any finals series on a win is crucial and I thought the victory against Berry-Shoalhaven Heads was really encouraging," fullback Gillard said.

"As happy as Dylan [Farrell] was with the game, he knows there's always room for improvement, especially on the defensive end.

"We've been guilty on numerous occasions of slacking off for 10-minute periods and that's cost us and we can't afford to have those in the finals.

"Every team left is here for a reason and anything short of our best won't be good enough."

The winner of Sunday's fixture will play the loser of Saturday's semi-final between Jamberoo and Warilla-Lake South at Kevin Walsh Oval.

Minor premiers Gerringong have the weekend off.

Both first grade matches this weekend kick-off at 3pm.

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