SAM Wooden is happy talking up his teammates but is reluctant to speak about himself leading into Sunday's Newcastle Rugby League grand final against Cessnock at No.1 Sportsground.

The flashy fullback is part of a star-studded Rosellas backline and has been somewhat of a supporting act until recently.

West five-eighth Nathan Hinton was crowned NRL Player of the Year and hooker Matt Thurston finished a close second in the voting, just two points behind him.

A host of other players gained Newcastle and NSW Country selection throughout the year, but Wooden was overlooked for everything.

Rosellas captain Dan Quinn sang Wooden's praises after their 42-4 thumping of Cessnock in the major semi-final.

"Sammy Wooden and Matt Thurston were absolutely unbelievable today," Quinn said after the match.

"How Sammy is not playing in the NRL just beggars belief."

Playing in the National Rugby League was something Wooden, a West junior since the age of six, had always planned to do.

He spent five years in the Knights system from Harold Matthews (under 16s) through to Premier League, but the writing was on the wall at the Knights towards the end of last season.

Wooden missed selection in the Premier League team and played two games for West at the end of the Real NRL season.

"I've enjoyed this season a lot more than any other and there's a good feeling here at Wests," 22-year-old Wooden said.

"I'd really like to get back into the NRL, and if anything comes along I'd certainly consider it. I'd probably have to go elsewhere, but I'd like to get another chance to play for the Knights."

Wooden was a member of the Knights side which went down 22-20 to Penrith in the 2006 Jersey Flegg grand final and hoped he would not have to experience the pain of defeat again on Sunday.

"We're all confident and keen to play Cessnock, and it should be a really good game," he said.

"We've been pretty relaxed leading up to this week and I don't think too much will change.

"We've got some really good players in this team like Matt Resch, Dan Hagan and Wes Tillott who have been there all year and done a great job."

Wooden will need to showcase all his skills at fullback on Sunday because Cessnock boast a tremendous kicking game in the form of halves Kane Bradley and Jamie Battye.

"Bradley's kicking game is probably their best asset and he tests me right out," Wooden said.

"Nabby [Cessnock hooker Adrian McNab] is a bit of a handful as well."