Like twin brother Daniel, Jacob had a standout debut season in the NRL in 2016.
He says he isn’t taking anything for granted heading into his second pre-season though, and knows there will be increased competition for a playing spot next year.
“Obviously with the new faces coming in it makes my job a lot harder getting that spot in the team,” he told Knights TV.
“I just really need to rip into this pre-season and hopefully Browny gives me that spot.”
While the Saifiti twins grabbed everyone’s attention last season, Jacob says they’re still at first base.
“To be honest I haven’t really looked back at last year,” he explained.
“We haven’t really done anything yet, and we’re not going to settle with what we did last season.”
“We want to improve and do better next year to help the team out.”
And while Jacob knows plenty of improvements is needed for 2017, he says the team is in much better shape this pre-season both physically and mentally.
“As a team I think we’re miles ahead of where we were this time last year, so it’s looking good for next season,” he said.
“We know the coaching staff a lot better and we’re all just comfortable with each other.
“And like I said, we’re miles fitter so the drills we’re doing are more precise.”
Jacob himself underwent surgery during the off-season as well, but is experiencing no adverse effects now that training is underway again.
“I had an operation in the off-season, but I feel like I’ve gotten fitter and stronger just in the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“I had some problems with cramping in my calves during the season.
“The pressure got too high, so they cut them open to let the pressure out.”
The surgery means Jacob should be able stay on the field for longer periods of time in 2016.
“In the first week of pre-season I was just slowly getting into it, but now I’m full-time and doing everything that everyone else is doing,” he said.
