Newcastle prop Daniel Saifiti wants to take the first hit-up in his State of Origin debut for New South Wales.
The big man has been told by coach Brad Fittler he will start the game and wants to make an early impact.
Saifiti, whose only previous rep footy was three Tests for Fiji, is ready for the challenge.
So much so, he’s stuck his hand up to take the first carry.
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"I was pinching myself when I first got into camp," Saifiti told AAP.
“As soon as I spoke with Freddy (Fittler), he told me I was starting so I know I've got to be physical. That was his main message. I've already asked to take the first hit up."
The forward will make his debut in the Blues’ must-win match against Queensland in Perth.
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The Blues will roll out a new-look side for the second game of the series with the squad heavily hit by injury.
In fact, it was an injury to Saifiti’s Knights teammate David Klemmer which paved the way for him to start on Sunday.
Klemmer was vocal in his endorsement of Saifiti.
So, it was only natural that the big man has gone to the enforcer for some words of wisdom before the big game.
"He's one of my good mates and obviously I took his spot, so he was one of the first people I talked to once I found out," Saifiti said.
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“He just said 'Don't be overawed by it, I'm here for a reason'. I've got the best players in NSW around me, so he just told me to do what I've been doing for Newcastle but turn up the ante more.
“It meant the world to get his backing. I mean, he knows what I can bring and he believes my playing style would be useful in the Origin arena."
