It’s been a whirlwind year for Daniel Saifiti.
At 23, the prop is breaking through the ceiling and coming into his own as a player.
This season he became a representative with two State of Origin games to his name but since the series victory for New South Wales, Saifiti’s momentum has eased.
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Honestly assessing his own form, Saifiti admits he’s gone away from what landed him as sky blue jersey for NSW.
It’s something he’s attempting to fix.
“I definitely haven’t been playing or doing what got me into Origin,” Saifiti said.
“I probably had one good game against the Tigers and other than that… I’ve sat down with the coaches and had a real heart to heart talk.
“It was a bit of a reality check to be honest with you.”
So, how does he turn it around?
“Just do what I was doing before I played Origin,” he continued.
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“My prep and working hard. I was probably guilty of thinking everything was just going to happen. I’ve played at the highest level and coming back to club footy, it was just going to happen. I wasn’t doing off the field what got me into Origin.
“It’s a reality check but probably one I did need.”
It all starts with Parramatta on Saturday.
Lining opposite Fiji international Kane Evans, Saifiti believes he’ll be tested.
With the Knights needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive, the engine room will be challenged with the Eels’ big men in form.
“Kane Evans is a mate of mine. I’ve always rated him as one of the best props in the comp,” he said.
“When he was playing reserve grade, I couldn’t believe it. I think he’s back where he deserves to be and it’s going to be a big test for me and Klem in the middle, that’s for sure.”
