'Out of my comfort zone': Daniel Saifiti opens up on Dolphins move in bid to earn State of Origin recall

Daniel Saifiti believes leaving the "comfort zone" of Newcastle could reignite his NRL career and push him back into State of Origin contention.

The front-rower had spent his entire career with the Knights and began his time during the darkest period in the club's history in 2016.

Saifiti cemented himself as one of the game's elite big men during his time in the Hunter, earning a debut for the NSW Blues in 2019 and making seven Origin appearances.

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However, with a salary cap squeeze and an opportunity to move up north and join the Dolphins on a long-term deal, Saifiti is relishing a reunion with head coach Kristian Woolf, who was previously an assistant with the Knights.

"I did want to get out of my comfort zone," he told media on Tuesday.

"I probably was there and I was one of the senior boys - me and my brother Jacob, we were probably the last two there over the last decade.

"You get in that comfort zone ... you don't mean to do it, but I knew it was time. I had a sit down with my partner and we knew we were ready to move.

"When he [Woolf] was at the club, I was playing Origin - he'd love to see me get there again. I have just come to a new club and it's not just going to happen.

"I find with rep teams, if you're playing in a good team that's going well and you're playing good footy, you sort of naturally get picked."

The 28-year-old has been split from twin brother Jacob, who has also been in the mix for the Blues over the years, even jumping the queue in front of Daniel.

His arrival at Redcliffe comes after the retirement of Jesse Bromwich and the Fijian international is ready to step up into a leadership role alongside some other forwards.

"I'm coming into a forward pack with guys that are playing in Origin and guys like Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi, they have won comps," Saifiti said.

"I'm getting older, I'm almost 30 - but there's still a lot to learn and those guys have been everywhere and I get to pick their brains here.

"I think the roster's top notch there, there are representative players all over the park."

Saifiti won't have to wait long to face his former club - and his brother - with the Phins slated to play Newcastle in round two of the 2025 season.

"It's personal on the field for 80 minutes, but he [Jacob] is my best mate and we will shake hands and give each other a hug after," Saifiti said.