To nobody’s surprise, David Fifita tells Titans he’s leaving next year
By Scott Bailey and Jasper Bruce in Sydney
David Fifita will depart Gold Coast for Sydney, after telling the Titans he will leave the club at the end of the season.
David Fifita of the Titans reacts following the NRL Round 9 match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Saturday, May 4, 2024. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Fifita met with Titans officials on Wednesday night, before opting not to activate the final two years of his contract on the Gold Coast.
The Queensland State of Origin forward had to make a call by Thursday night.
Titans coach Des Hasler has called a snap press conference and will front the media later on Thursday.
Fifita is yet to inform either Penrith or the Sydney Roosters of his exact destination for next season.
Penrith are considered the front runners to land the 24-year-old, who would effectively become a replacement for outgoing forward James Fisher-Harris.
Arriving as a similar style player to Viliame Kikau, his addition to the Penrith pack would shift Scott Sorenson into the front row next year.
Penrith have sold Fifita on the idea of joining a premiership-ready team, having won the last three competitions.
“It’s got that potential to be like Kiks. He’s a big body, he moves well, so there are definitely similarities there,” Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards said this week.
“He’d have to have a lot of training under his belt to get up to speed with our system and the way we want to play footy.
“Our backrowers are quality at the moment too. But he’s a class player and can do things in the game that not many people could do.”
Fifita’s partner, Shaylee Bent, is also from the Penrith region.
Fifita’s deal at Penrith would be worth around $850,000 for three seasons, allowing him to negotiate his next deal when in his prime at age 27.
The Roosters will offer Fifita a similar deal, but on a four-year contract.
The hulking second-rower would offer the club some x-factor, as they prepare to farewell Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the end of 2024.
They also have the advantage of being able to bring Gold Coast player Bent to the women’s team, with the Gold Coast second-rower also off contract at the Titans this year.
“You want quality players, and he is a quality player,” Roosters lock Victor Radley said of Fifita.
“He’s got the footwork, he’s a powerhouse. Fast. You don’t have many players that do all those things.
“He’s got the x-factor.”
