Blockbusting Newcastle Knights forward Jacob Saifiti is a strong chance of making his State of Origin debut next week following the shock withdrawal of Jordan McLean.
The North Queensland Cowboys prop was officially ruled out of the NSW Blues squad on Thursday, courtesy of a hamstring injury.
That setback to coach Brad Fittler’s plans has now opened the door for Saifiti to line-up against the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium in the all-important decider on Wednesday 13 July.
“My career has been full of ups and downs,” McLean said in a statement today.
“I’ve kind of gotten used to it but I thought there might be a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
“The hardest thing will be telling my family.
“I was looking forward to the opportunity but it wasn’t to be.”
Saifiti surged into NSW calculations on the back of some excellent performances for the Knights.
And, he’s hoping to follow in the footsteps of twin brother Daniel, who earned seven caps for the Blues between 2019 and 2021.
“Obviously they see something in me that I don’t, they’ve showed faith in me which means a lot,” he told NRL.com after being called into camp for Origin I.
“I’m just grateful to be a part of it.
“I think [it’s] going off last year maybe, I was really happy with how I went — my best year so far easily.
“He [brother Daniel] said it goes quickly so to just soak it up and be in the moment.
“I’ve obviously watched his Origin games before but never envisioned I’d be doing the same.
“Not that I don’t back myself; I just never thought the day would come.”
Meanwhile, Saifiti’s club outfit, Newcastle, is gearing up to tackle the South Sydney Rabbitohs at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday 8 July from 7.55pm.
