NRL 2024: Sydney Roosters join race for David Fifita after Penrith Panthers meet with Titans star
Titans coach Des Hasler has a crucial 48-hour period ahead of him as he attempts to convince David Fifita to resist interest from Sydney and Penrith and remain on the Gold Coast.
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Gold Coast coach Des Hasler is facing a 48-hour period that could define his tenure at the Titans as he attempts to convince David Fifita to spurn interest from Sydney powerhouses Penrith and the Sydney Roosters to pledge his future to the club.
Hasler, only a matter of months into his time at the Titans, looks to be facing a losing battle to hold onto Fifita as two of the biggest clubs in the NRL circle with ominous intent.
St George Illawarra also have an interest in Fifita and coach Shane Flanagan was keen to speak to him this week, but it is understood he is unlikely to join the Dragons.
It is a different story with the Panthers and Roosters, who have arrived at the 11th hour with tempting bids for Fifita.
In both cases, circumstances have played into their hands. The Panthers were in no position to make a move for Fifita only weeks ago, yet the decision by James Fisher-Harris to return to New Zealand has armed them with cash.
The Roosters have also freed up cap space after Luke Keary announced he would retire at the end of the season. The club had expressed an interest in Warriors captain Shaun Johnson, but he has indicated he will remain in New Zealand.
It now appears they will direct some of that money towards Fifita, tabling a four-year deal worth $3.4 million.
The Roosters’ interest in Fifita is particularly intriguing given former Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook is on their coaching staff as an assistant to Trent Robinson.
When Holbrook was sacked midway through last year, Fifita and captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui had get-out clauses in their contracts that allowed them to leave the club.
Both opted to stay but Fifita’s new deal included fresh out clauses because he wanted to get a sense of what life would be like under Hasler.
Holbrook may now come back to haunt his former club as he and the Roosters look to lure Fifita to Sydney to join the club.
Fifita has an option in his contract for next season at the Titans which needs to be taken up by the start of round 10 - the round begins on Thursday night when the Dolphins host Manly.
Fifita could delay a decision on his future but that would mean his deal at the Titans for next season would be void.
The Roosters are also keen to retain back rower Angus Crichton and talks are expected to be held this week over his future.
The Panthers, however, are believed to be the favourites to secure Fifita even though their deal is understood to be significantly less than what he is on at the Titans at the moment.
Speaking on Monday, Cleary refused to address the reports about Fifita directly.
“Respectfully, I’m not going to comment on recruitment today, it’s a very sensitive issue, all recruitment, and it affects a lot of people, clubs, players, agents, families, and I think we’ve already filled our quota for recruitment stories this year,” he said.
And when asked what he thought of Fifita himself, he said merely: “Marquee player.”
Broadly, he said going into the marketplace for the first time in four years is different as the premiers plan for life beyond Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva.
“That’s different, it’s been four years I reckon but we’re always looking for other players too,” he said.
“We’re always looking to evolve, that’s the challenge when you’re losing players and if you’re just staying the same the game will go past you. We’re always looking to evolve but if you do that there’s always a danger you can lose what you’re good at too, so that’s been a balance.
“We got that a little bit wrong last year. It’s not a challenge, it’s actually fun as a group to work out how that looks and I’m looking forward to doing that as we go.”
Fifita’s decision could have ramifications for the Dragons, who are battling to retain Jaydn Su’A.
Su’A has an offer on the table from the Dragons but the Titans could make a move for Su’A should Fifita opt to leave for Sydney.
The Titans could also look to Crichton - who has vaulted back into NSW contention on the back of strong recent form - although it is believed his preference is to remain.
Their first priority is to retain Fifita, who had a slow start to the season after battling injury. He has slowly found his best form in recent weeks, confirming his status as one of the most devastating back rowers in the NRL and a cornerstone of the Titans’ forward pack.
Hasler has his work cut out. The two-time premiership winner has made a slow start to life on the Gold Coast given the club has only won one game through the opening nine rounds.
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