New South Wales Blues and Fiji Bati forward Jacob Saifiti had a dream debut as he scored a try for his side with an assist from fellow Bati teammate Api Koroisau in the State of Origin decider match on Wednesday night.
But his efforts were not enough as they lost 12-22 against the Queensland Maroons.
Fox Sports reported Saifiti produced a dazzling start to his Origin career after coming off the bench in the first-half.
The twin brother of Daniel, who shocked many with his selection for game three, repaid Brad Fittler’s faith and silenced the doubters.
“Is something cooking here? You bet it is! Jacob Saifiti scores the try for NSW,” Mat Thompson said on Channel 9.
“His brother scored one in last year’s series and now he’s on the try scoring sheets.”
“Api Koroisau, it is the work from Api Koroisau, the exact reason why Brad Fittler has brought him into this football team.
“Just that subtle movement around the ruck, showing left, back out to his right. Isolating the defender for the big man. Jacob Saifiti, he is one happy Blue.”
He ran 78 metres, four tackle busts, a linebreak, a try and five tackles.
The Blues scored two tries through Saifiti and halfback Jerome Luai while the Maroons scored four tries through centre Valentine Holmes, back-rower Kurt Capewell, fullback Kalyn Ponga and hooker Ben Hunt to claim the 2022 State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
The Maroons staged a clinical game after their 44-12 loss to the Blues in Game 2 at Optus Stadium in Perth and proved to be a better side in the final match of the series.
