Club teammates will become interstate rivals this week as Newcastle Knights trio Jacob Saifiti, Dylan Lucas and Kalyn Ponga prepare for the State of Origin opener.

For Saifiti, the recall marks a full-circle moment after injury setbacks and years spent fighting his way back into representative contention.

The Newcastle forward will come off the bench for the Blues in game one at Accor Stadium on Wednesday 27 May.

It’s a role he says he is comfortable embracing. 

“Obviously, I’m coming off the bench, bringing some impact, bringing some energy,” Saifiti said. 

“Although I’ve been starting for Newcastle the past couple of years, coming off the bench isn’t unfamiliar. 

“I’m comfortable with my role.”

Saifiti revealed he had little expectation of an Origin recall this season until NSW coach Laurie Daley unexpectedly hinted at the selection before Newcastle’s recent clash against Parramatta. 

“I honestly was just focused on what I was doing at clubland,” he said. 

“This year I didn’t see my name in the mix at all, so I just assumed that I wouldn’t make the side. 

“When Loz sort of tipped me up before the game, it was a pleasant surprise.”

The 28-year-old admitted his first stint in the Blues system came before he was fully ready for the intensity of Origin football. 

“At the time, I actually wasn’t even meant to play,” he said. 

“Jordan McLean did his hamstring and I got chucked in the deep end. 

“I was a silly kid and pretty raw. 

“This time around, I’m a lot more experienced.”

While Saifiti’s return headlines Newcastle’s NSW representation, he says fellow Knight Lucas looks made for the Origin arena after an impressive start to camp. 

“You should’ve seen him train today, he was probably the best on ground,” Saifiti said. 

“Everyone’s been saying for years that he’s made for it. 

“I know he is.” 

Queensland fullback Ponga will again spearhead the Maroons after helping lift Newcastle’s form since returning from injury. 

“He’s been a big reason why we’ve been winning footy games,” Saifiti said. 

“I know the player Kalyn is.

“I see it everyday in training.” 

Saifiti says having multiple Knights players involved in the series reflects the growth of Newcastle’s roster and the impact the club is making across the competition. 

“I’m so stoked for both of them,” he said. 

“They’ve been a big part of why we’ve gone pretty good this year.”

In the lead up to the big match, Saifiti says Queensland isn’t a worry in the blues camp yet. 

“We haven’t really touched on Queensland,” he said. 

“We’ve been focussing on us, these first couple training sessions.” 

Kick off is 8.05pm.

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