Daniel Saifiti says Kristian Woolf played a big part in his decision to join the Dolphins. (Russell Freeman/AAP PHOTOS)

Kristian Woolf unlocked Daniel Saifiti’s career-best form in 2019, now the prop is enjoying a reunion he hopes will fuel a NSW recall and finals football for the Dolphins.

After a decade and 183 NRL games at Newcastle, the 28-year-old was released from the final two years of his contract with the Knights and secured a three-year deal at the Dolphins.

The 2019 and 2021 State of Origin winner mentioned stepping out of his “comfort zone” several times in his first interview as a Dolphin and how he knew it was “time” to make a move.

The prop also revealed his close relationship with Woolf, who served as an assistant and interim coach for the Knights in 2019.

“The roster here is top notch. There are representative players all over the park but the main thing (about signing with the Dolphins) was to come under Woolfy again,” Saifiti said.

“I only had him for a year in 2019, but he and I built a close relationship and have kept in touch ever since. When he called, I knew after that first phone call that this was the club for me.

“Obviously he’s a man’s man, but he has another side to him. He is really supportive and always asks about my family and my setup. All other things like footy come after it. I am happy to play under him.

“I’m out of my comfort zone. It’s the first time since 2016 that I’m in a different first grade team. I like it.”

Saifiti has been a standout for the Blues in his seven Origin games and is looking to get back into that arena while helping lead the Dolphins to their first finals run.

“One of the first phone calls I had with Woolfy was we were playing Origin when he was at the club in 2019,” he said.

“He said he would love to see me get there again.

“It won’t just happen at a new club. I will have to prove to him and the boys that I deserve to be in the team first.

“I go in with guys who have played Origin or for their country. Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich won comps. Even though they’re getting older, there’s still a lot to learn and I can pick their brains.

“We tear ourselves down in the pre-season, fix mistakes from last season and prepare and hold each other accountable; I think this is a finals football team and a bunch of strikers.

“It’s an aggressive group of forwards and we want to go after the packs together.”

Saifiti will play twin brother Jacob for the first time from the backcourt in round two against the Newcastle Knights. Jacob has already sent the lot to Daniel.

“Right now it’s all fun and games, but it will be all business in the second round. I think I’m more worried about mum and dad,’ he joked.

“We’re both experienced enough to realize he’s personally on the pitch for the 80 minutes, but he’s my best mate so we shake hands and hug each other.”