"I want him to showcase what he's made of. He's a terrific footballer, a great competitor, and he hasn't even hit his straps for the Warriors yet. He's had some really top quality performances but there's another level to Sam.
"Just having him around training at the moment has been great. He's taken us to a new level already. I just hope that the Warriors' fans get to see the best of him."
Tomkins' presence will boost the Warriors' attack but McFadden rates his communication, particularly on defence, as his most valuable asset.
"He's really sparked everyone up this week. Tui [Lolohea] has done a terrific job but Sam's just got a different level in him and his talk, both in attack and defence, is critical for us. He's very excited to get back out there."
Left wing Manu Vatuvei also returns to the side after sitting out their last-start victory over Parramatta with a sternum injury, and forwards Josh Hoffman and Jacob Lillyman will also play after featuring in Wednesday's State of Origin opener.
Hoffman worked tirelessly for the Blues over 80 minutes, getting through 15 runs and 31 tackles, and Lillyman had 25 minutes off the Maroons' bench, making seven runs and 18 tackles.
McFadden is confident the pair will have no problems backing up four days later, and expects them to lead the way for the Warriors' forwards against an aggressive Knights pack.
"Our medical staff have contacted theirs (Queensland and NSW) and both should be fit and right to go this weekend," McFadden said.
"Traditionally with those guys, they can back up from Origin. It's probably the week after where they feel it, so we'll definitely have to monitor how they feel and their energy.
"Our forwards are definitely going to have to set the platform this weekend, so we've got Ryan against Beau Scott and that will be a great match-up.
"But both are professionals and I'm expecting both to play well."
The grinding nature of the two wins over Cronulla (20-16) and Parramatta (17-13) revealed improvements in the Warriors' defence and McFadden was looking for a similar effort this weekend.
With a five-and-five win-loss record the emphasis is on consistency as the seventh-placed Warriors look to improve their ladder standing against the 12th-ranked Knights.
After starting the year strongly with four consecutive wins Newcastle have dropped off the pace, losing six of their last seven games.
"We've just got to continue focusing on our defensive performance," McFadden said. "The reason we won those last two games is because we were really tough and gritty in defence.
"We leaked 32 points to the Titans the last time we were at Mt Smart. That's really unacceptable so there's a big focus on that.
"It's important that we start to build some momentum at this time of year.
"We've had two tough wins but it can all come undone if we have a poor performance this weekend so we need to really get on a run now and build some confidence."
