Broncos coach Anthony Seibold’s plea for David Fifita to stay
The stakes are rising as David Fifita makes a mammoth decision on whether to sacrifice $550,000 to stay with the Broncos or become the NRL’s highest paid player at the Titans.
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Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has appealed for David Fifita not to walk out on the club as the superstar back-rower prepares to make the biggest decision of his NRL career.
The Courier-Mail understands Fifita will decide whether to sacrifice $550,000 and commit to Brisbane — or accept a $1.25 million offer from the Titans — before Friday night’s away clash against Tigers.
The Broncos are sweating on a decision. Fifita was so stressed over the fallout of his Broncos backflip last week he went to ground over the weekend to mull over the toughest decision of his fledgling career with his mother Gwen, who has played an active role in negotiations.
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Seibold expects to hear from Fifita in the next 48 hours and with the Queensland Origin ace seriously considering the Titans‘ club-record offer, the Broncos coach urged him to stay loyal.
“David has been at the Broncos since he was 14 or 15 so he has had a long-term attachment to the club,” he said.
“I love coaching him, he has some fantastic friends at the club, but it‘s David’s decision, it’s his family’s decision.
“I won’t try and sell the club to David, he knows what the club offers and I would love to keep him.”
Broncos skipper Alex Glenn admitted the playing group weren’t trying to pressure the youngster either and instead making light of his possible pay cheque.
“The only sledging is we make him shout all our lunches,” Glenn said.
“It’s a big pay packet if he gets that payment, we have all been in the same situation so we understand the pressures and we don’t want to add to that pressure.
“There is always banter around him shouting coffees.
“We can’t play footy for the rest of our lives.
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“Although clubs would love to keep talent around, it comes down to the player and what’s the best decision for himself.
“I know making my decisions it was easy because all I wanted to do was bring a premiership back to Brisbane, but the way I think is totally different to other players.”
Glenn said the players understood the gravity of Fifita’s decision and wished him well on whichever way he goes.
“It‘s Dave’s decision, and his family’s decision and if it’s to go to another club all we can do is wish him well,” he said.
“But I know the player and person he is and I would love him to be around longer, not just the talent but the character he is and what he brings to this team.
“His value is everything he brings to the team as well.”
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