When an NRL Immortal labels you a future Australian representative, you know you've had a good season.
After a fantastic performance by Daniel Saifiti against Parramatta in Round 13, nib Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns marked the monstering prop as a future Kangaroo.
The first few Rounds of 2018 were a bit rocky for Saifiti with even Coach Nathan Brown questioning his early form.
Knights sign versatile utility
But not long after the criticism, Saifiti flicked the switch.
Producing a strong finish to the year, he earned selection in Brad Fittler's Emerging Blues squad.
Saifiti played 21 games for the Knights in 2018, scoring three tries and averaging 113.2 running metres per game.
Saifiti, who is contracted until the end of 2020, is recovering currently from a foot injury but will be fit and firing to start 2019.
2018 Moment of the Year:
His performance against the Eels in Round 13 was arguably the best performance of his young career.
Herman Ese'ese was out and Saifiti was called upon by the senior players in the team to step up in his absence.
He certainly did that.
In just 49 minutes, the 22-year-old ran for 199 metres, made 21 tackles, made a line break and scored a try.
After the game, it was discovered that Saifiti had played most the game with a broken foot.
But the best moment from the game came with 15 minutes left in the contest and the Knights were up 26-0.
The Eels were attacking the Knights line and the Knights looked certain to crack soon having gone 65 minutes without conceding.
But Saifiti was the answer to lift the Knights, rushing up out of the line and pulling off the hit of the game, causing the Eels player to lose the ball.
The Knights finished 30-4 winners and Saifiti was Man of the Match.
2018 season stats:
Games: 21
Avg running metres: 113.2m
Tackles made: 532 (87.8% efficiency)
Post contact metres: 875m
Tries: 3
Offloads: 12
Tackle breaks: 26
Missed tackles: 50
Errors: 8
Penalties conceded: 10
