Made for this: Saifiti on memorable Origin experiences

Going back to mid 2022, and after spending the week in State of Origin camp with the NSW squad, Jacob Saifiti returns to Newcastle expecting to watch the game from home.

Initially named in the extended squad, J-Saf gets a shock call while at a recovery session in Newcastle that he's back in the team after Blues forward Jordan McLean goes down injured.

Saifiti is set to fulfil a lifelong dream and make his State of Origin debut in a Game III decider at Suncorp Stadium. Quite the challenge.

On the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast, the nib Newcastle Knights forward recalled his memorable debut game in 'The Cauldron' and getting the opportunity to go back into camp this year. Listen on Apple or Spotify.

"It was about three or four days out when I found out I was playing," Saifiti said on the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast.

"I do get nervous before games and I was quietly confident I was going to go in and do a job.

"But the day of the game I just remember pulling my hair out... I normally take a nap but I was just staring at the ceiling.

"All that went away when I ran out, which was weird too because I was getting booed.

"50,000 people booing you (at Suncorp) and after that, I just calmed down straightaway and the rest is history."

After running over a Queensland defender with his first touch, Saifiti gets over the try-line soon after, chanting 'I'm made for this'.

NSW eventually go down in a decider for the ages, however the forward from Newcastle left a lasting impression leading to a recall for Game III this year.

Going back into camp this time around, J-Saf would share the experience alongside Knights teammate Bradman Best.

"I was a lot more comfortable this time around, being my second time, I was more confident," Saifiti said.

"I was just as happy when I found out (Bradman) was in the team. 75,000 people too, that's the biggest crowd I've played in (front of).

On this episode, we kick things off with some quick-fire questions including one of the hot topics at the moment; Barbie or Oppenheimer.

J-Saf talked more about his Origin experience including what he took away from the camps and back into his Club footy.

The boys also chat about heading to Perth and the run of games for the Knights as we enter the make-or-break part of the year.

We round out the podcast with J-Saf's very own player quiz testing his knowledge on his career including how many times he has played alongside his brother, Daniel.