He might be coming off arguably the most dominant NRL performance of his career but Jacob Saifiti says he is ready to hand his Knights No.10 jersey back to twin brother Daniel, claiming he has only been "keeping it warm for him".
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The Saifitis are set to be reunited on the field this Sunday against Manly with Daniel almost certain to make his return from ligament damage in his knee that has sidelined him for the past five weeks.
He was close to making an early comeback against the Wests Tigers last Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium but was given a further week off as a precaution to ensure he is 100 per cent ready to go.
Jacob has done a great job stepping into the breach in his brother's absence alongside front-row partner David Klemmer in the starting side over the past month after playing the opening nine games of the season off the bench.
He was outstanding in the 44-4 win over the Tigers, scoring a try and running for 174 metres from 18 hit-ups and making 25 tackles in just 45 minutes.
Asked if it was the best he has played in the NRL, Saifiti was typically modest.
"It was up there, I guess," he said. "I'm sure the run metres were good. I was having a few double carries which makes my stats look all right but I thought my defence was a bit sloppy at times.
"In terms of the smaller things I judge myself on, I think I've probably played better."
Saifiti denied his performance was inspired by the pending return of his brother and his desire to retain his spot in the starting side.
"I'm glad we get Daniel back this week so I can go back to playing 35 minutes or so," he said.
"It's taken him four years to earn that jersey and I haven't earned anything yet. One good game is not going to change that.
"I'm happy to surrender the jersey to him. I've just been keeping it warm for him. It will be great to have him back. He was playing great before he got injured and he'll be raring to get back into it. He will really strengthen us as well."
It remains to be seen if coach Adam O'Brien sees it the same way.
There is the possibility he may opt to ease Daniel back in off the bench after missing a month of footy and reward Jacob with another starting berth.
There is also a chance he may decide to shift lock Mitch Barnett to the right edge and start both Saifitis alongside Klemmer in a beefed-up engine room against the Sea Eagles. But that option would leave the coach with less firepower on the bench.
Saifiti said Manly will come to Newcastle desperate for a victory but believes the Knights will take plenty of confidence out of the win over the Tigers.
"It was a good win after a couple of pretty bad losses.," he said. "To turn that around in front of our home fans - it's good, I thought we were pretty solid.
"The game plan was just to go out there and not give them anything - to get through the first five sets of each half. I think we completed the first 12 in the first half and we capitalised on their errors.
"We made them earn everything and I thought our defence was on with just that one try they scored from a kick. We still have a lot to work to do but it was a good stepping stone."
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