Knights brothers Jacob and Daniel Saifiti in epic fail on ‘switcheroo’ attempt

It might work occasionally in a classroom, but a switching attempt by twins on national television has failed spectacularly.

Knights twins Jacob and Daniel Saifiti busted trying NRL switch. Photos: Fox League

Identical twins have been known to pull the odd prank from time to time, but rarely in a professional sporting arena or a nationally televised event.

Enter the National Rugby League.

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The Newcastle Knights were playing a pre-season practice match against Melbourne in Fiji, the first official fixture held in the island nation.

The Storm romped to a 28-10 victory in the historic fixture, but the score was largely irrelevant.

Instead, it was the actions of the Knights’ identical twins Jacob and Daniel Saifiti that caught the eye.

Jacob was penalised for a late hit on Melbourne’s Tui Kamikamica in the 66th minute, kicking off a mild push and shove between the teams.

Knights duo Jacob and Daniel Saifiti.

As referee Belinda Sharpe was attempting to restore order, Jacob quietly headed for the bench and Daniel was suddenly within reach of the whistleblower.

It’s the type of move that might occasionally succeed with, say, a substitute teacher in high school.

But it was immediately spotted by Sharpe, who could see the funny side when she politely asked Daniel: “Where’s Jacob? Bring him back on.”

Daniel then sheepishly gestured to the sideline and called for his brother to come back on in a move reminiscent of the schoolboy being asked to stand in front of the class.

“Where’s Jacob?” Daniel’s face says it all. Photo: Fox League

Referee Belinda Sharpe knew exactly what was going on. Photo: Fox League

Fox League commentator Andrew Voss was all over it and erupted with joy at what was unfolding.

“Oh, hang on, the old switcheroo,” Voss yelled.

“The brothers, oh, that’s so clever, Newcastle. I’m standing (and) applauding.

“You got him off the field, amazing. That’s a beautiful piece of play. That is rugby league.

“You can go back now and sit down, Belinda Sharpe has the last laugh, but they’ve done the switcheroo with the identical twins.

“A brilliant piece of rugby league right there.

“What a moment that is.”

The Daniel and Jacob Saifiti switch-a-too is hilarious

— Joe (@JoeTurksta) February 24, 2024

Steve “Blocker” Roach was also impressed with what he saw.

“She knew straight away,” he added in commentary.

A week out from the NRL’s season-opening double-header in Las Vegas, Voss even pondered how an incident like this would go down for an American audience.

“Try explaining that in Vegas next week,” he said with a laugh. “Our new audience.

“Fox Sports 1 in America. That will be a tough one to explain

“Do we have any identical twins (in Vegas), I don’t think we do.”

Roach chipped in with “(Sharpe) doesn’t think they’re identical. She knew right away.”