Home

NRL: Jacob Saifiti hailed Newcastle’s future after collecting the club’s prestigious best player award

Matt Logue NCA NewsWire
Newcastle's Jacob Saifiti has a big future ahead of him in the NRL. Brett Costello
Camera IconNewcastle's Jacob Saifiti has a big future ahead of him in the NRL. Brett Costello Credit: News Corp Australia

Jacob Saifiti has been hailed as the future of the Newcastle Knights after the hardworking prop defied the odds to win the prestigious Danny Buderus Medal as the Knights’ Player of the Year.

The award comes as recognition for a standout and consistent campaign for the front-rower, who started the season off the bench before finishing with 23 games (12 starting), three tries and an impressive 2437 running metres.

Knights club legend and general manager of football Danny Buderus said Saifiti’s award was a terrific milestone in the young forward’s career.

“I’m so pleased for Jacob and it’s great to see a hardworking middle win such a prestigious honour,” Buderus said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“This is just reward for his hard work and determination. His go-forward and team-first mentality has seen him become one of the most respected players in our club.

“Having watched him develop from a young man who debuted for the club in a really tough time, to now progress into an elite middle forward, is just such a great story.”

NRL Knights v Dragons
Camera IconNewcastle's Jacob Saifiti has a big future ahead of him in the NRL. Brett Costello Credit: News Corp Australia

Buderus emphasised Saifiti‘s high effort and hardworking mentality earned him enough votes to secure the honour.

And the good news for Newcastle fans is that the 25-year-old will be at the Knights long term after signing a two-year extension in July.

Buderus has high hopes for Saifiti achieving more success in the red and blue.

“Jacob’s commitment to being part of a successful group is driving him to achieve new heights and setting standards for others to follow,” he said.

“This determination, with strong carries and team-first actions, has produced consistent form which saw him force his way into the starting team alongside Daniel.

“This combination has been a cornerstone to establishing a strong platform for the Knights forward pack this season.

“Be the Player is the motto within our group and Jacob’s performances this year have typified that mantra.

“Daniel is now firmly established as a rep player and Jake is on the same trajectory and is ready for when the opportunity presents.

“This continued great form was rewarded with long-term contract extensions, ensuring the Saifiti twins will be major part of the team’s fabric for many more years to come.“

In other awards, versatile forward/back Brodie Jones won the Rookie of the Year, hooker Jayden Brailey claimed the Old Boys Gladiator of the Year, while legends Steve Simpson (217 games) and Jarrod Mullen (211 games) were inducted as Newcastle life members.

Originally published as NRL: Jacob Saifiti hailed Newcastle’s future after collecting the club’s prestigious best player award

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails