Following an outstanding season, Jacob Saifiti has claimed the 2021 Danny Buderus Medal as the nib Newcastle Knights Player of the Year.
The prop won the award for the first time in his career, with the medal being officially placed around his neck at a special ceremony on the Sunshine Coast.
It comes as recognition for a standout and consistent year for the front-rower, who forced his way into Adam O’Brien’s starting side after initially starting on the bench.
General manager of football Danny Buderus said Saifiti’s award was a terrific milestone in the young forward’s career.
“I’m so pleased for Jacob and it’s great to see a hardworking middle win such a prestigious honour,” he stated.
“This is just reward for his hard work and determination.
“His go-forward and team-first mentality has seen him become one of the most respected players in our club.
“Having watched him develop from a young man who debuted for the Knights in a really tough time, to now progress into an elite middle forward, is just such a great story.”
Buderus emphasised Saifiti’s high-effort and hard-working mentality was what earned him enough votes to secure the plaudits.
“Jacob’s commitment to being part of a successful group is driving him to achieve new heights and setting standards for others to follow,” he said.
“This determination, with strong carries and team-first actions, has produced consistent form which saw him force his way into the starting team alongside brother Daniel.
“This combination has been a cornerstone to establishing a strong platform for the Knights forward pack this season.
“Be the Player is the motto within our group and Jacob’s performances this year have typified that mantra.
“Daniel is now firmly established as rep player and Jake is on the same trajectory and is ready for when the opportunity presents.
“This continued great form was rewarded with long-term contract extensions, ensuring the Saifiti twins will be major part of the team’s fabric for many more years to come.”
Across the regular season, Saifiti played all but two games, with the front-rower running for an average 107 metres, a 93.8% tackle efficiency, three tries and 29 tackle breaks.
His effort was unquestionable in all of his 22 games, with the Emerging Blue a clear standout among his team-mates.
NRL AWARD WINNERS:
McDonald Jones Homes Rookie of the Year – Brodie Jones
Once a Knight Old Boys Gladiator of the Year – Jayden Brailey
nib Community Player of the Year – Josh King
Excalibur Club Players’ Player of the Year – Connor Watson
Club Person of the Year – Mathew Morris & Jane Farrell
Knight in Shining Armour – Mitchell Pearce
Player of the Year (Danny Buderus Medal) – Jacob Saifiti
NSW CUP AWARD WINNERS:
Excalibur Club Players’ Player – Mat Croker & Luke Huth
Red Energy Player of the Year – Zac Hosking
LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEES
Steve Simpson – 217 Knights Games
Jarrod Mullen – 211 Knights Games
LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION AWARD
Dr Neil Halpin
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
NRL debut players – Dominic Young, Brayden Musgrove, Simi Sasagi, Mat Croker, Jirah Momoisea
NRL milestones – David Klemmer – 50 Knights games, Kurt Mann – 50 Knights games, Jake Clifford – 50 NRL games, Hymel Hunt – 50 Knights games & 100 NRL games, Connor Watson – 50 Knights games & 100 NRL games, Daniel Saifiti – 100 Knights & NRL games, Mitch Barnett – 100 NRL & Knights games, Sauaso Sue – 150 NRL games, Mitchell Pearce – 300 NRL games
Departing players – Blake Green (retired), Gehamat Shibasaki (Japanese Rugby), Connor Watson (Sydney Roosters), Josh King (Melbourne Storm)
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