Jacob's world: The contract, the cup and the baby on the way

It's fair to say there's been a bit going on for Jacob Saifiti.

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And that's even before a significant World Cup appearance for Fiji in hometown Newcastle on Sunday.

Local Fiji representatives Kurt Donoghoe and Jacob Saifiti. Picture by Peter Lorimer

There was the Knights' fairytale run to a GF, which suspension saw him disappointingly sidelined for but, in turn, now sees him available straight up for international duty this weekend.

There's the pending contract negotiations in clubland, with Saifiti's current NRL deal expiring at the end of 2027, and what this could mean come November 1. However, the Origin prop openly admits: "Make no mistake, I want to be a Knight for life."

But amid the footy frenzy, Saifiti and wife Immogen are also preparing for what might just be the most life-changing experience of all, recently revealing they are expecting their first child.

"So stoked. We've been trying for a little bit so for it to be actually happening, it's a bit surreal to be honest. Soaking it all in at the moment and so far the ride has been enjoyable," Saifiti told the Newcastle Herald.

"I've been an uncle for a while and I love being an uncle, but we knew it was time to get rid of the aunty and uncle tag and become mum and dad. We're both so excited."

Jacob Saifiti hits the gym at the University of Newcastle this week. Picture by Peter Lorimer

And while there's a global tournament closest on the horizon, Saifiti will be free to test the open market from next month with rival clubs, including the incoming PNG Chiefs, allowed to officially start negotiating.

Twin brother Daniel, recently retired, ended up relocating to the Dolphins in 2025 after a long tenure at the Knights.

But having worn red and blue for every single one of his 192 NRL games so far, debuting a decade ago in 2016, can Jacob see himself donning different colours?

"I've made no secret of the fact I want to be a one-club player," he said.

"I know footy doesn't last forever and while I want to stay here, I've also got a baby on the way and two Golden Retrievers at home so there's more mouths to feed. It all comes into the equation.

"But make no mistake, I want to be a Knight for life."

Saifiti's dedication to the club cause was evident for all to see during the 2026 finals series.

Having been sent off for a reckless high tackle in Newcastle's last-round fixture away to the Warriors, and later accepting a four-match ban, regardless of results there was no chance of returning for play-offs.

Not only did the 30-year-old continue to help out at training, but footage later emerged of him hanging off the race at Sydney's Olympic Stadium and high-fiving teammates en route to meet the Roosters in an NRL decider.

"The coaches talked to me saying, 'obviously you're one of the most senior players in the team so don't underestimate the impact you can still have on the boys,' Saifiti said.

"So I tried to never once let my disappointment get in the way of still leading the team.

"Don't get me wrong I was still disappointed, but it wasn't the end of the world and I still had a pretty important role to play."

And in a quirky twist of sporting fate, Newcastle's deep run has paved the way for Saifiti to lace up in round one of the World Cup at McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.

"It's probably the one silver lining for me, being suspended and the boys keeoing on winning, I now get to play every game at the World Cup," he said.

"To be in Newcastle and play in front of my home town is unreal."

Saifiti and his Bati teammates have set up camp near Newcastle beach this week and trained out of the University.

Fiji tackle Cook Islands on Sunday (4:05pm).

It marks "nearly 10 years since I put the jersey on" with the last of Saifiti's seven Test caps at the World Cup back in 2017.

"The boys have been so welcoming and obviously I've been part of this squad before, but it's been a few years now," he said.

"It's a pretty connected group and I felt at home straight away. Keen to get out there this weekend."

Local Fiji representatives Kurt Donoghoe and Jacob Saifiti. Picture by Peter Lorimer

Kurt Donoghoe was born in John Hunter Hospital, grew up in Tingira Heights and started playing junior footy for Central Newcastle around the age of six.

Now the Dolphins utility returns home to make his World Cup debut on home soil.

Donoghoe - with family, friends and no doubt a few former teammates from the Butcher Boys watching on from the crowd - will represent Fiji against Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday (4:05pm).

"Even being here and training during the week, it's just good being back home," Donoghoe told the Newcastle Herald.

"I'm really comfortable back here and I've spent a lot of my time here during my life.

"I'm really excited my friends and family get to come along and watch.

"Really looking forward to representing Fiji with these boys and hopefully coming away with a win back home."

Donoghoe, 24, has donned the Fiji jersey on seven previous occasions between 2023 and 2025.

He's only ever played in the Bati halves, and that trend continues for Mick Potter's men this weekend.

Donoghoe will line up at five-eighth, despite his versatility being on show across various NRL positions.

"I'm going to slot into six for this team this week and I'm looking forward to the challenge, changing it up," he said.

"I played a little bit of six this year, but not for a while.

"[Brandon] Wakeham is a good halves partner to have because he's switched on and plays really square which hopefully opens up myself."

Fiji were paying $1.20 to beat their Pacific Island opponents on October 18, before facing World Cup heavyweights Australia (Brisbane, October 25) and New Zealand (Gold Coast, October 31) in succession.

"A lot of people have written us off with a few injuries, but I think we're going to upset a few teams," Donoghoe said.

"Hopefully we do Fiji proud, each other proud and our families proud."

Donoghoe's link to Fiji comes via his father's side.

"My nan was born and raised in Fiji. A proud Fijian lady, who came to Australia when she was about my age," he said.

"She's not with us anymore so every chance I get to put the Fiji jersey on and represent her and my dad and the family, I'm very excited to do so."

Donoghoe will also get the opportunity to play with Knights prop Jacob Saifiti for the first time, having previously lined up alongside his twin brother Daniel at the Dolphins.

Saifiti gets the call up for Fiji having just finished serving a four-match suspension during NRL finals.

"He [Jacob] is going to be chomping at the bit to get out there," Donoghoe said.

Api Koroisau (hooker) and Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (fullback) make up the rest of Fiji's spine while KL Iro skippers Cook Islands.

Donoghoe, who played lower grades for the Knights, has scored six tries from 55 NRL appearances for the Dolphins and helped the Redcliffe-based club to within one game of a recent decider.

The Bati reached the World Cup quarter-finals last time around in 2022 after three straight trips to the semis (2008, 2013, 2017).

"I've played Fiji the last few years, but to be able to play my first World Cup for Fiji is really exciting," Donoghoe said.

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