It was history in the making.
Not only did Daniel Saifiti lay the platform for the biggest New South Wales win of all time, he also nabbed his first Origin try in the process.
Reflecting on his performance and the added responsibility it brings at club level, Saifiti said he was now a player brimming with confidence.
“When you are playing with the best players in the league, you take confidence out of that and just worry about your own game. You don’t have to overthink anything,” Saifiti said.
“No one in the team thought we were going to win by 50 and I don’t think we had a bad player.
“I think the good players around me made me play better too.”
With the newfound confidence that Origin selection has brought to his game, Saifiti revealed that he sees himself as one of the best props in the game.
“I just played my third series in a row now and I don’t think I let the team down at state level,” he said.
Representing his state has added to Saifiti’s responsibility at club level.
“It’s added responsibility once you play at that level but if you want to be that player you have to enjoy it and soak it up,” Saifiti said.
Following his debut in 2019, Saifiti admits his performances post-Origin at club level have not been some of his best.
It's something he is determined to learn from, with an eye towards improving his form heading into the back end of the season.
Watch: D-Saf's first Origin try
“Two years ago I played my first Origin series and my form after it, if I was being honest, was atrocious,” he continued.
“I’m definitely a better player and more mature than I was two years ago so I can definitely draw from that.
“I’ll be looking to play better at the back end of the year after the Origin series, that’s for sure.”
Having now established himself at state level, Saifiti is eyeing off the elusive green and gold jumper as he works towards playing for Australia at this year's World Cup.
“Playing in the Origin arena is probably the biggest spectacle and that’s the game you want to play the most.
"But the biggest honour is wearing the green and gold because that’s the best 17 players in the country, so if I ever got to put that jersey on it would be a massive honour.”
