Kristian Woolf unlocked Daniel Saifiti's career-best form in 2019, now the prop is relishing a reunion that he hopes will fuel a NSW recall and finals football for the Dolphins.
After a decade and 183 NRL games at Newcastle, the 28-year-old was released from the final two years of his Knights deal and secured a three-year contract at the Dolphins.
The 2019 and 2021 State of Origin series winner mentioned getting out of his "comfort zone" on several occasions in his first interview as a Dolphin and how he knew "it was time" to make a move.
The prop also revealed his close rapport with Woolf, who was Knights assistant and interim head coach in 2019.
"The roster here is top notch. There are representative players all over the park but the main thing (about signing with the Dolphins) was coming under Woolfy again," Saifiti said.
"I only had him for one year in 2019 but me and him built a real close relationship and we have kept in touch ever since. When he rang I knew after that first phone call that this was the club for me.
"He’s obviously a man’s man but he’s got another side to him. He is real supportive and always asking me about my family and settling in. All that other stuff like footy comes after it. I am just happy to be playing under him.
"I am out of my comfort zone. This is the first time since 2016 I have come into a different first grade team. I love it."
Saifiti was a standout for the Blues in his seven Origin games and wants to get back in that arena while helping lead the Dolphins to their first finals series.
"One of the first phone calls I had with Woolfy was that I was playing Origin when he was at the club in 2019," he said.
"He said he’d like to see me get there again.
"It is not just going to happen at a new club. I am going to have to prove to him and the boys that I do deserve to be in the team first.
"I’m coming into a side with guys that have played Origin or for their country. Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich have won comps. Even though I am getting older, there is still a lot to learn and I get to pick their brains.
"We knuckle down in the pre-season, fix the wrongs from last season and get fitter and hold each other accountable; I think this is a finals footy team and forward pack.
“It’s an aggressive forward pack and we want to go after packs together."
Saifiti will play against twin brother Jacob for the first time since the backyard in round two, against the Knights in Newcastle. Jacob has sent Daniel the draw already.
"At the moment, it's fun and games but it'll be all business come round two. I think I'm more worried about mum and nan," he joked.
"We're both experienced enough to realise it's personal on the field for the 80 minutes, but he's my best mate so we shake hands and give each other a hug after."
