Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti will hold twin brother Daniel in his heart after earning a surprise NSW recall.
Even for the man himself, Saifiti's inclusion on the bench for next Wednesday's State of Origin series opener came as something of a shock.
The 30-year-old first had an inkling he might have been in the mix for selection when Knights and Blues assistant coach Brett White approached him on game day at Magic Round, telling him he had plenty to play for against Gold Coast.
Only hours later, Blues coach Laurie Daley was in touch.
"It was a pleasant surprise," Saifiti told AAP of his selection.
"It's not that I don't think I'm playing good footy - I'm probably in career-best form. It was just a really good surprise."
Saifiti was an even bigger surprise inclusion for an Origin debut in 2022, called in following a heartbreaking hamstring injury to would-be debutant Jordan McLean.
He was one of the Blues' best in the game-three loss that night, before earning a second call-up in a dead rubber the next year.
"I probably wasn't ready then (for a debut). It sort of happened by accident," Saifiti said.
"I'm pretty nervous for this game, but I was a lot more nervous then. I probably wasn't in the best form in club land as well."
This time around Saifiti knows what to expect and is likely to fill the impact middle-forward role occupied by Spencer Leniu in recent years.
"Obviously I'm a lot more experienced now. I've played a couple of Origin games, a lot more footy up my sleeve. I'm excited," Saifiti said.
Saifiti's Origin selection came only days after a long-term shoulder injury forced twin brother and seven-time Blues representative Daniel into medical retirement.
Daniel was one of the first people Jacob called on hearing news of his Origin recall, and will be in the prop's heart at Accor Stadium next week.
"Heaps, not just Wednesday night, just in general since then," Saifiti said.
"He's had a good career and he's a family man. He put his family first (by retiring).
"I've got that last name on my back, not only will I be representing my family, but I'll hold something special for him as well."
