Brothers Daniel and Jacob Saifiti will be filled with overwhelming pride when they run out to represent the Fiji Bati in the representative side's clash against Papua New Guinea on Saturday on the Gold Coast.
The NYC Newcastle Knights are eager for the opportunity to play alongside NRL Knight Korbin Sims and plenty of first grade talent in the Rick Stone coached representative team.
The Saifitis grew up on the Central Coast and played their junior football with the Entrance Tigers before joining up with the Under 20s toward the end of 2014.
The brothers, who are set to celebrate their 19th birthdays while away at camp, are thrilled to undertake the representative experience together.
“I’m going to grab everything I can get out of it. It’s going to be a great experience playing with players I’ve looked up to the last few years,” Daniel said.
“The family is very proud.”
While the duo has shone in the ranks of NYC this season, neither were expecting to feature in the line-up, especially so soon in their careers.
“It’s going to be great,” he said.
“I don’t know what to expect? I’m just going into it with an open mind and am going to grab everything I can and learn more about my culture.”
Jacob was equally surprised to named but says he will embrace the challenge.
“I’m shocked really. I wasn’t expecting it. It’s an honour to represent my family and my culture," Jacob said.
He explained their Fijian heritage comes from their mother’s branch of the family.
“My mum was born there, her mum is Fijian. All my mum’s side is from Fiji," he said.
“I’m really proud of my Fijian culture.
Both emerging stars believe the chance to play on a representative level will see them grow as players.
“I’m looking forward to playing on the Gold Coast,” Jacob said.
“I’m expecting to get a lot out of it. There are a lot of first graders, so I’m just looking to enjoy and will watch them closely so I can pick up a few things from them.
“It’s always good to play alongside my brother. Every side we make it’s a big deal for us and our family.”
Fijian team:
1. Kevin Naiqama, 2. Marika Koroibete, 3. Fabian Goodall, 4. Brayden Wiliame, 5. Eto Nabuli, 6. Darryl Millard, 7. Ryan Millard, 8. Eloni Vunakece, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Jason Bukuya, 12. Jacob Saifiti, 13. Korbin Sims. Interchange: 14. Tyrone Phillips, 15. Viliame Kikau, 16. Tikio Koke, 17. Osea Sadrau, 18. Timoci Ratulolo Dabea.
