Rugby

I have giant shoes to fill: Daniel Saifiti

June 18, 2019 4:36 pm

Daniel Saifiti

Former Fiji Bati rep and New South Wales Blues forward Daniel Saifiti is expecting Queensland to niggle and place a target on his head when he makes his State of Origin debut on Sunday night.

The 23-year-old told New South Wales Rugby League media that he has giant shoes to fill coming in for injured Newcastle teammate David Klemmer.

Daniel who has played three tests for Fiji is the twin brother of Jacob Saifiti who has pulled out of the Bati side.

Article continues after advertisement

He insists he has no qualms about the task at hand trying to prove himself in a do-or-die showdown against the Maroons.

Apart from Latrell Mitchell’s surprising axing for game two, the choice of Saifiti has arguably been the most talked about selection.

Saifiti says he was surprised when he received the call from Blues Coach Brad Fitler.

‘I feel different emotions running through me but it hit me this morning on the drive down from Newcastle but yeah a lot of emotions but I’m definitely excited and pumped I was at the airport when Freddy just asked me if I want to play the State of Origin and it was crazy, the tal43nt obviously we have the best talent in New South Wales playing next to me it’ll probably sink in when they training next to me’.

The State of Origin Game 2 will be held this Sunday at 10pm.