David Fifita to cop a ‘serve’ from Sydney Roosters supporters after his infamous backflip

David Fifita could come face-to-face with the Sydney Roosters powerbrokers that tried to sign him as angry fans are set to make his Allianz Stadium return a torturous one after his infamous Tricolours backflip.

This will be the first time big David Fifita has ventured into Roosters territory since his infamous contract backflip – and he can expect a “serve” from fans.

And Fifita may also need to stare down some hard eyes from high-profile Sydney Roosters board members pre-game in and around the Allianz Stadium players’ tunnel which is close to where the Tricolours’ powerbrokers sit.

Fifita signed a four-year deal with the Roosters last year, starting from this season, before reneging in May to remain at Gold Coast, activating a two-season option in his favour.

It was a decision that shocked the powerful Roosters, including influential chairman Nick Politis, with Fifita citing family reasons and a desire to play under Titans coach Des Hasler for the change of heart.

Roosters great Anthony Minichiello expects fans to give Fifita a serve at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. Picture: Richard Dobson

Now Fifita will have to cope with crowd jeers from Roosters fans in Friday night’s big game at Allianz Stadium, according to club legend Anthony Minichiello.

Some Roosters fans are already promising to boo Fifita each time he touches the ball.

Fifita hasn’t played at the Roosters home ground since his well-publicised backflip.

Hasler said both parties had “moved on” but Minichiello reckons Fifita can expect some taunting.

“I don’t think the team (Roosters) is fussed, it will more be the fans, who might give him a bit of a serve,” Minichiello said. “That will probably happen when he runs out. That’s part of sport.

“Teams are pretty professional these days and they will just get on with things but the fans will probably give him a bit.

“It’s a bit of banter, it happens, it’s all good, but the club has moved on, for sure.”

David Fifita will play in front of a Roosters home crowd for the first time since his contract backflip. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Hasler added: “While there will always be a beat-up in the general public at some stage, I can assure you from a footballing perspective, both parties – Dave and the Roosters – have well and truly moved on.”

Politis didn’t feel it was necessary to comment publicly on Fifita coming up against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium when contacted by this masthead.

Fifita played the Roosters in Round 25 last year, three months after his contract flip, but that game was contested on the Gold Coast.

And the player Fifita was mooted to replace at Bondi, Angus Crichton, scored three tries in a statement performance and he has continued to go from strength to strength for the Roosters.

Fifita was strong in Gold Coast’s impressive 26-6 win over Newcastle on Saturday night.

Coming off the bench, Fifita scored a try, ran for 107 metres, made 18 tackles and posted 39 post-tackle metres.

Angus Crichton celebrated a hat-trick of tries against the Titans last year and has gone from strength to strength since Fifita’s backflip. Picture: NRL Photos

Meanwhile, Queensland State of Origin prop Lindsay Collins is expected to return for the Titans game and he could be joined in the NRL squad by fellow forward Nat Butcher.

Collins has been cut down by illness and missed two games.

The Maroons and Australian front-rower travelled to New Zealand for Friday night’s game against the Warriors but wasn’t well enough to play. His expected return is a significant boost for the Roosters, who sit at 1-2 after three rounds.

Butcher has been in hospital with a medical issue and has also missed two matches. Like Collins, the Roosters hope Butcher will be declared fit for the Titans game.

The Roosters will be without NSW utility Connor Watson, who has been stood down for the game through concussion.

Originally published as David Fifita to cop a ‘serve’ from Sydney Roosters supporters after his infamous backflip