Frontrower’s top NRL season reflects the Knights of old
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 frontrower, 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.
“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.”
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 (Saifiti).’’
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.