No matter who you are or what you do in life, nerves ahead of your first day on the job are natural.
But knowing that isnโt making things easier for late Blues call-up Jacob Saifiti ahead of his debut for NSW in Wednesdayโs decider.
Though Saifiti was a late addition to Brad Fittlerโs squad ahead of the all-important clash at Suncorp Stadium, the shorter wait-time hasnโt helped to alleviate his anxiety ahead of the biggest game of his career to date.
โThe nerves are starting. At the start of the week they werenโt really there,โ the Newcastle Knights prop told AAP.
โLast night I was in bed trying not to think about it, but the nerves were flowing.โ
Some have criticised Saifitiโs addition over two more experienced Origin props at the Knights in David Klemmer and Jacobโs brother Daniel Saifiti. But Jacob has been in the extended squad since Game I, biding his time behind Payne Haas and Jordan McLean who are now ruled out with rib and hamstring injuries respectively.
โMy time would have come here next year or the year after,โ Jacob said.
โBut itโs come earlier than everyone expected โ probably (earlier) than I expected as well.โ
โItโs not that I didnโt think I would get here. Iโve realised the last couple of years Iโve had a chance. But to not even just play Origin, but to play a Game 3, a decider up here, itโs still so surreal.โ
Saifiti also confirmed that he would be starting off the bench in a role similar to the one he plays at Newcastle. This news confirmed Junior Paulo will be the Bluesโ starting prop for the first time this series.
Meanwhile older brother Daniel is elated that the brother he debuted alongside at NRL level is getting his chance at state level.
โI was the first person he called. He was breaking down,โ the slightly-older Saifiti told the Canberra Times.
โWe had a little cry together about how far heโs come and everything heโs overcome. He deserves it.โ
