Daniel Saifiti reckons he may never score a sweeter try in his career.
Just hours before officially being named in the NSW Blues side last night for Origin I against Queensland, the big Newcastle prop plunged over for the match-sealer in the Knights' gutsy 18-10 upset win over Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium.
"It's the best try of my career for sure just in the context of the game and our season," a jubilant Saifiti told the Newcastle Herald.
"We desperately needed the win so to be able to ice it like that with a couple of minutes left knowing that it put us eight in front and out of reach was pretty special.
"All the boys aimed up today under a lot of pressure but I'm more pleased for our fans and also our coaching staff. The coaches cop a bit of stick and I feel sorry for them because they prepare us great and how we have been playing is not a true reflection of what they do for us.
"So I'm happy for the fans but I'm happy for the coaches too. It's nice to get a tough win to take the pressure off everyone a little."
For the sixth consecutive game, the Knights conceded the opening try and found themselves down 10-0 against the Eagles despite running with a stiff breeze in the first half.
For once though, they didn't drop their bundle which they have been consistently guilty of this season.
"When things have been going against us, we have been real negative and we spoke a lot about making sure to keep our energy up," Saifiti said.
"So even at 10-0, we didn't hang our heads and to come back against a really good side like Manly and guts out a win - that's a real good stepping stone and will give all the boys a lot of confidence."
Saifiti will now turn his attention to NSW and Origin I after again being named in the Blues squad to take on the Maroons on June 9.
"It's really good to be recognised again so hopefully I can do my state and club proud," he said.
Knights teammate Tyson Frizell was not as lucky, picking up an ankle injury in the final four minutes against Manly and was ruled out of the Blues. He will have scans but is expected to be out for at least three weeks.
Queensland is expected to name Kalyn Ponga in their squad pending a fitness test despite not having played for the past three weeks but Knights coach Adam O'Brien indicated he is unlikely to be fit.
