Newcastle Knights prop, Daniel Saifiti is on cloud nine after learning he's been included in the NSW team for State of Origin II.
The 23-year-old, who has played two internationals for Fiji, will make his Origin debut in Perth this Sunday.
An excited Saifiti told Fairfax "It's crazy, I can't wait" and "It doesn't get much bigger than than Origin and I want to make sure I prepare really well and just take the opportunity with both hands. I really want to show I belong at that level", he said.
Meanwhile, Knights captain, Mitchell Pearce was also recalled into the side but was forced to call Blues coach, Brad Fitler back to withdraw after consulting Knights medical staff. He took a hip flexor strain into Saturday's game against the Storm and suffered a bad leg cork during the match which the Knights lost 34-4. A disappointed Pearce told Fitler he didn't want to let him down by taking the risk of playing and he didn't want to let NSW down.
Despite the setback Pearce says he hasn't given up hope of making an Origin return.
Meanwhile, Knights veteran Tim Glassby has earned a recall into the Queensland squad and has been named at number 16. As expected, Kalyn Ponga has again been named at fullback for the Maroons.
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| Knight Prop Daniel Saifiti to make his Origin debut for NSW Picture:newcastleknights.com.au |
