But with the same size-15 foot as his identical twin brother, Jacob Saifiti is confident he can measure up to the task in Newcastle's clash with the Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night.

Minus Daniel and David Klemmer, who will represent NSW in Origin III next week against a Queensland team that includes Knights teammate Tim Glasby, Jacob has been recalled to lead the charge against a full-strength Warriors team.

It will be the 48^th NRL game of his career, and his first since May 19 last year, when he suffered a season-ending fractured shoulder.

He was recovering from that setback when he suffered another body blow, a broken ankle after a much-publicised pre-season incident outside a Hamilton hotel that earned him a club-imposed $25,000 fine.

"It's a weird feeling," he said.

"I've sort of been dreaming of this moment for the last few months, just getting back into first grade. When [Knights coach Nathan Brown] named the team, it was a bit surreal to be honest.

"I was just sitting there and I wasn't expecting it. He put it on the board and I saw my name up there, and I don't think it had sunk in."

A seven-Test representative for Fiji, Saifiti said he had learned his lesson from "one silly night" that caused him physical and emotional pain.

"It made me work even harder, just to get back here," he said. "I know how close I was to losing it all, so I'm very grateful to be back."

And while the depth of Newcastle's middle forwards will ensure fierce competition, he was hopeful his return would not be a one-off.

"I knew opportunities were going to be scarce after the incident and all the players we bought, so obviously this week I want to make the most of my opportunity and hopefully cement a spot," he said. "If not, I'll go back down and work my way back up again, if I have to."

All the while, Daniel - who made an impressive Origin debut in NSW's 38-6 win in Perth - has provided staunch support.

"He's only a minute older than me, but I do look up to him," Jacob said.

"To see what he's doing now is very inspiring. I just hope I do his jersey proud on the weekend ... he's been unreal.

"Between him and my partner and a few of my close mates, they've been my rock.

"They've really helped me.

"Even during this Origin period, he's been checking up, texting me every day, giving me advice and stuff."

"He's been unreal."