It's taken Daniel Saifiti two games and less than three weeks to achieve something Newcastle NRL and NSW Origin teammate Mitchell Pearce has waited 11 years for, but he feels he's earned his luck.
The 23-year-old Knights forward has enjoyed a thrilling rise over the past month.
He made an impressive Origin debut in game two and held his place ahead of Knights teammate David Klemmer, even after the Blues and Kangaroos star returned from injury.
Saifiti didn't get a lot of minutes in Wednesday's series clinching 26-20 win over Queensland in Sydney, but the Blues' least experienced player savoured the experience of being part of the triumphant campaign.
"I can't believe everything's happened so quick," Saifiti told AAP.
"If you'd told me six weeks ago I'd be part of a winning State of Origin series I would have laughed in your face.
"Honestly I didnt think state of Origin this year, I just wanted to work hard.
"I've definitely had a little luck go my way to make this team but I feel like I've earnt that too."
Saifiti was able to share the memorable series triumph with clubmates Pearce and Klemmer, neither of who were in the original 17-man squad for the decider.
An injury to halfback Nathan Cleary and the suspension of Tariq Sims gave Pearce and Klemmer a late callup.
"It was obviously very disappointing to see Nathan and Tariq leave but to have them two come in was a lift for me," Saifiti said.
In one of Australian rugby league's great redemption stories, 30-year-old Pearce was finally part of a NSW series win after seven previous unsuccessful campaigns starting back in 2008.
"I feel sorry for Pearcey because he's been the fall guy for a lot of the losses but he played unreal and he deserved that win," Saifiti said.
He was scheduled to backup for the Knights against the Bulldogs on Friday evening.
