To be sitting on the cusp of finals with a nine-game winning streak at their backs is a new feeling for Jacob Safiti, who admits it’s “surreal” to be here in 2023 with the Newcastle Knights after surviving the lean spoon years of the 2010s.
In years past, Newcastle has been forced to watch as eight other teams moved on into the NRL playoffs at this time of the year. Some seasons even saw them locked at the bottom of the standings, including in Safiti’s first three campaigns.
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In fact, the Knights have only played finals twice since Safiti debuted for the club.
It’s been a complete turnaround though, with the red-hot Knights now charging into the postseason with nine straight victories under their belts, including two recent wins in front of sold-out stadiums in the Hunter and most recently a strong triumph over the 16th-placed St George Illawarra Dragons despite resting several big names.
The squad now braces for the Canberra Raiders (8th) next Sunday afternoon, and it’s left Safiti, who debuted in 2016, to look back at the “surreal” position the team is now in.
“There’s been some tough years there, but a few of us have stuck strong and come out the other side,” Saifiti admitted while talking to media after the Knights’ 32-12 victory on Saturday evening. “We’ve still got a job to do again on Saturday, but I’m excited to have a home semi. It’s my first one, so I’m really excited.”
He laughs at the thought too. “It’s a bit surreal.”
Even better, that home semifinal means the Knights will again run out in front of a sold-out Hunter Stadium; the first home finals the city has hosted since 2006.
If there’s one thing that Safiti thinks can give the Knights the edge, it’s the fans.
“It’s massive,” the star Newcastle forward admitted when asked how important having the support of the fans can be. “Especially when you’re in the trenches, when that Newcastle chant goes up and there’s 29,000 strong you just go up another gear, so I’m sure we’ll get another packed house and they’ll hopefully be behind us again.”
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The Knights will host the Raiders on Sunday afternoon at 4pm. Earlier in the round, the Panthers will play the Warriors, the Broncos host the Storm, and the Sharks will face the Roosters.
