The Maroons staged a stunning upset in last week's series opener at Adelaide Oval, but it was not through lack of effort on Saifiti's behalf.

The towering 24-year-old gained more ground (157 metres) than any forward on the field, and also completed 34 tackles, with no misses, in two stints for a combined duration of 56 minutes.

Saifiti debuted for NSW last year, helping the Blues win games two and three to retain the title, and his performance last week would suggest the Origin L-plates are no longer required.

"I took confidence out of last year," Saifiti told the Newcastle Herald after Monday's training session at Morry Breen Oval, Wyong.

"I feel like I'm twice the player I was last year.

"So my mindset coming into last week's game, I felt like I could make a difference to the team and help others, whereas last year I was just worrying about myself and getting my job done.

"My mindset this year is I want to be one of the leaders of our forward pack and help get the team on the front foot.

"Last year it was all the unknown.

"I was thinking about things out of my control, but this year I knew what to expect and came into camp with a completely different mindset."

Origin I was Saifiti's first loss in the interstate cauldron and he has no desire to experience similar disappointment seven days later.

"It was a pretty empty feeling walking off the field," Saifiti said.

"Leading 10-0 and then losing the way we did, I know we're better than what we produced.

"It was frustrating but I know we'll be better on Wednesday."

Saifiti said NSW coach Brad Fittler had reminded his troops that they were 1-0 down in last season's series, too, before rallying to show their true colours.

"This feeling of being down 1-0 in the series, it's familiar territory," Saifiti said.

"We've spoken about how we've been here before.

"The core group of the team were all involved last year and we've been able to draw on that experience.

"We know where we need to improve and nobody is panicking. We're confident."

Saifiti said Fittler and assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon were "pretty happy with my performance" in game one.

His problematic left knee, which restricted him to 14 games for Newcastle this year, is still heavily strapped and crying out for an off-season.

"It was a bit sore after the game," he said.

"The knee's sweet. I reckon I can play big minutes on it.

"It needs a rest but I just haven't been able to have a break yet."

NSW back-rower Tyson Frizell, who the Knights have signed from St George Illawarra, admitted he was looking forward to playing alongside Saifiti on a weekly basis from next season onwards.

"He was probably one of our best forwards in game one," Frizell said.

"Hopefully he can do a similar job for us this week.

We're going to need everyone playing their best game to get a win on Wednesday.

"It's a must-win and hopefully we can get the job done and then focus on game three."