There was plenty of banter between Andrew Johns and Ben Kennedy at the Captain's Call, but it will be all business when the opposing captains square off in Friday's NRL qualifying final between Newcastle and Manly.

Kennedy, who declared himself a certain starter after overcoming a quadriceps injury, caught up with former teammate Johns in between media commitments at the finals promotion at Aussie Stadium.

Both acknowledged the pleasantries would end when the teams clash in a sold-out EnergyAustralia Stadium in four days' time.

"It's never real fun, look at the size of him," Johns told AAP when asked about playing against Kennedy.

"It's probably a nice way for BK to play his last year, in front of Newcastle people.

"They love BK up there and I'm sure he'll enjoy it and have a big game."

Kennedy said he was more concerned about the Sea Eagles fulfilling their potential than the fact his career was winding down.

"I don't think (the friendship) changes anything, it's a bit of a laugh off the field and business on the field," he said.

"I know everyone goes out to shut Andrew Johns down but quite frankly I don't think you can.

"It just makes the coaches happy, that they've said to shut Joey down.

"He's just too good and hopefully he's slightly off his game on the weekend."

Asked would he hesitate putting a big shot on the Newcastle skipper, Kennedy said: "No, not at all, and likewise.

"He's not the best to run straight at either, he can pick you up and dump you on the head."

Kennedy, who confirmed this year would definitely be his last, said last month's 16-14 away win over the Knights was a massive confidence booster.

"I think that was probably the turning point in our season for our younger players," he said.

"I've always said I believe they can do it, but to go up there in front of 25,000 people in such an important game, it was such a massive game at that time.

"For us to win that game I felt the younger players grew a little bit extra and really started to believe they could do something.

"And we've played some terrific football after that.

"I think we're heading into the finals looking alright."

The 32-year-old said there would be plenty of time to reflect on his career after the finals series.

"It's really not a factor for me, at the moment I really don't care," he said.

"I just want to go as far as we can and see what happens.

"Certainly after the last game it's going to be emotional then, no doubt about it.

"It's been a dream come true and something I love doing."

Johns, playing in his first finals series for five years, said the availability of Kennedy would lift the Sea Eagles 10 per cent.

"We know what Ben's going to do on Friday night," he said.

"He's going to improve (them) probably 10 per cent ... which is pretty scary when you see their performance against Melbourne on the weekend.

"It's a great way for Ben to finish his career ... I'm sure he'll have a big one."

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