‘Ripple effect’: Big question as David Fifita expected to make ‘imminent’ Panthers call

David Fifita is expected to make a decision on his future as soon as tomorrow, but questions have been raised about his impact on his expected destination.

David Fifita has a huge call to make. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

David Fifita is expected to join the Penrith Panthers as soon as tomorrow, but questions have arisen over how the hulking forward will fit into the three-time champions’ system.

News broke earlier in the week the Panthers were chasing Fifita’s signature, with reports the Titans were desperate to hold onto 24-year-old, while the Roosters had also thrown their hat in the ring.

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Fifita made a bit move from the Broncos to the Titans in 2020 on a three-year $3.5m deal, but it’s safe to say the rampaging forward hasn’t hit his full potential on the Gold Coast.

But he hit the headlines last year when then-coach Justin Holbrook was sacked with reports both he and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui had their deals linked to that of Holbrook.

Although they were convinced to stay and Fifita signed a three-year extension worth a reported $1m a season in November last year — Fa’asuamaleaui signed a 10-year deal worth $12m – Fifita reportedly has a clause in his contract to walk away from the Titans, but needs to trigger it by Thursday.

With the Titans languishing in 16th on the ladder one just one win for the season, the Panthers, who have reportedly formally offered $850,000 a season for three years, are seemingly the frontrunners.

Speaking on NRL 360, News Corp’s Brent Read said he felt “Penrith have their noses in front”, saying it appears the Roosters and Titans are “facing an uphill battle” in the race for his signature.

He added he thinks it’s “imminent” and that “it’ll probably arrive tomorrow”.

David Fifita would be a massive signing. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The lure for Fifita is the opportunity to win premierships with Penrith winning titles despite losing players during their premiership dynasty while the Titans seem a long way from challenging for a title.

Read said as much as the Titans would like to keep Fifita, there’s also a sense that a million dollars in the war chest would help the side in areas they need — including the halves.

Read said he believed the move was “a masterstroke”.

The Panthers are currently third on the NRL ladder and the addition of Fifita would no doubt improve the side.

With the likes of Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva to the Tigers, and James Fisher-Harris to the Warriors, it would help bolster the Panthers stocks.

But with the club priding itself on developing its junior and players taking unders in order to keep players at the club, News Corp reporter Dave Riccio had some fears for the move.

“I’ve got some question marks around the impact on this Panthers team,” Riccio said.

“This is a side that has built themselves on hard working, tradesman-like players — Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Scott Sorensen — players that have sacrificed throughout their careers salary-wise, taking pay cuts to win premierships.

“And we haven’t seen Penrith drop an $800,000 player into their system yet and I’m concerned about the ripple effect on this playing group.

“When players have taken pay cuts along their career to buy into a culture, to go and buy an $850,000 back-rower, who you have no idea whether he’s going to fit your culture, and get paid more than what some of those guys that have already achieved, I question that. I question that the impact could be damaging.”

Would the move hurt the Panthers? Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

When asked about if the Panthers were looking for a quick fix to replace Fisher-Harris’ exit, Riccio said: “So why in that sense are you not upgrading Moses Leota.

“I think the reward should be with the playing group that’s earned the right.”

Read said the club likely consulted the senior players to ensure there wouldn’t be issues before throwing their hat in the ring.

And with Fifita potentially available, Read said it would “be irresponsible not to make a bid for David Fifita” if they can get him for $850,000.

James Graham was also questioning the signing.

“Is he a Penrith style player? When you think of the Panthers … a star player gets removed, somebody slots in — systematic,” he said.

“Is David Fifita a systematic style player? A great player, a destructive player, but is he a systematic player?”

Graham added that the Panthers had been discussed as making a play for the Wests Tigers Stefano Utoikamanu, but buying Fifita would likely rule that out.

Braith Anasta said Fifita “won’t know what’s hit him when he gets to that club and realises the system he’s got around him, the player’s he’s got around him.”

While he hasn’t said much, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary spoke briefly about the move, calling Fifita a “marquee player”.

“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,” Cleary said on Monday.

“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.”

Originally published as ‘Ripple effect’: Big question as David Fifita expected to make ‘imminent’ Panthers call