DANIEL Saifiti believes the experience he gained from his State of Origin debut last year will ensure he makes an even bigger impact for the Blues in this season's series against Queensland.
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Saifiti was something of a bolter last year when chosen for Origin II in Perth, after Knights teammate David Klemmer suffered a broken wrist in the series opener.
The towering prop stepped admirably into the breach to help NSW win games two and three 38-6 and 26-20 respectively.
It was the Blues' second series victory in a row, and on Monday Saifiti renewed his association with coach Brad Fittler and the extended NSW squad in camp on the Central Coast to prepare for the first-ever post-season Origin campaign, which kicks off at Adelaide Oval on November 4.
The 24-year-old said knowing what to expect would be an advantage.
"Last year was my first year, and it was a bit of a surprise getting picked," Saifiti told the Newcastle Herald.
"I thought it made me a better player, and that showed for my club this year.
"So I'm definitely looking to make an impact if I do get a game this year."
Saifiti said "mentally and physically" he had improved since last season.
"Playing Origin last year was unexpected but it gave me more confidence," he said. "It helped me reach my potential ... that's from playing Origin but also having a full season under Adsy [coach Adam O'Brien] and the coaching staff. Those two things combined have made me a better player."
Saifiti might be an incumbent but he is taking nothing for granted with regards to selection in this year's series.
Each state is expected to name a 27-man squad, and the middle forwards at Fittler's disposal include Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Payne Haas, Junior Paulo, Jake Trbojevic, Cameron Murray and Nathan Brown, as well as Saifiti.
"You just have to look at the boys who missed out," Saifiti said.
"That just goes to show how good the crop Freddy's chosen are. If you get a game in this year's series, especially as a front-rower, you're definitely doing well. There's a lot of good players to choose from."
Saifiti's form this season should ensure he is well and truly in the mix. Despite a knee injury that restricted him to 14 games, he averaged 144 metres and 28 tackles per game.
One of those overlooked by Fittler was Klemmer, a 26-year-old veteran of 19 Tests and 14 Origins, who has been been a mate and mentor for Saifiti over the past two seasons.
"He's obviously disappointed, because he's so competitive," Saifiti said.
"He's played in that arena for however many years now. But our friendship is more than footy. He's obviously excited for me."
Saifiti said it had been refreshing to enjoy a couple of weeks or normality, outside the NRL "bubble", after Newcastle's season-ending loss to South Sydney.
"I had the first week just completely off, just chilling with the boys," he said.
"Since then I've done a bit of training, but nothing too serious. It's still two-and-half weeks until the first game."
He said it felt slightly strange to to be preparing for an Origin series at a time when he would usually be enjoying his off-season.
"I've never done an end-of-season tour or anything like that, so it is a bit weird," he said.
"By the time the series starts, that's usually when we're coming back for pre-season. So it is a bit different in that sense."
After the Adelaide Oval opener on November 4, games two and three will be held at ANZ Stadium (November 11) and Suncorp Stadium (November 18).
"I'm nervous, but I think nerves are good," Saifiti said.
"But probably not as nervous as last year, because it was the unknown. I didn't know what the arena was like, and I didn't really know any of the boys.
"But now I know what Origin is and I know most of the boys here ... I'm looking forward to it."
