NRL 2024: David Fifita signs with Sydney Roosters on $3.3 million, four-year deal

The Sydney Roosters have won the race for Titans star David Fifita, with the forward set to sign a massive deal after announcing his departure from the Titans.

David Fifita is Sydney Roosters bound. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

• What bombshell signing means for player market

Sydney Roosters have trumped fierce western Sydney rivals Penrith in the $3.3m pursuit of Queensland’s David Fifita.

In a stunning decision, Fifita informed the Roosters of his decision on Thursday afternoon, leaving Penrith to lament how he rejected the triple champions.

And within minutes of the coup, Roosters chairman Nick Politis declared Fifita could help deliver his club a premiership.

“We’re very happy,” Politis said. “We’re very honoured that Dave has selected us over a great club like the Panthers.

“He is a great player and he will fit into our club under a great coach like Trent Robinson.”

The four-year Roosters deal is worth $3.3m, Penrith’s offer of $2.5m spanned three years.

David Fifita is Sydney Roosters bound. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Penrith appeared favourites throughout negotiations only for the Roosters – through a $4m war chest – to emerge victorious.

“We would have liked to have signed him but it’s not the end of the world,” said Panthers group CEO, Brian Fletcher.

“There will be plenty of other options open to us before the end of the year. We’re not concerned.”

Fifita, 24, will add firepower to a Roosters side preparing to lose Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Suaalii, Luke Keary and Joey Manu.

The Roosters still claim to have sufficient salary cap space to re-sign inform back-rower Angus Crichton.

Fifita has officially quit Gold Coast on Thursday morning but was tormented over whether to join the Roosters or Panthers.

It is understood Fifita was wrestling and grappling over his future, continuously flipping his preference before finally settling on Bondi.

The Roosters edged out Sydney-based rival the Panthers for the Titans star. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Rugby league’s biggest hitters were out and about trying to convince Fifita where he should sign.

Fifita had spoken with Roosters coach Trent Robinson and influential chairman Nick Politis and is a good friend with fellow Queenslander Lindsay Collins through State of Origin.

He is also close to former Titans coach and current Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook.

It is understood Fifita and Roosters forward Spencer Leniu have also talked over the phone, the pair having previously played together with the Australian Schoolboys.

Fifita is also a mate of Roosters halfback Sam Walker through a Queensland connection.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has also been regularly in touch with Fifita while the giant forward has also spoken personally with Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary.

Penrith and the Roosters have offered Fifita around $850,000 a season. Gold Coast’s deal was worth around $1m a year for 2025 and 2026.

While a blow to Gold Coast, the club now has significant money to chase a halfback.

“I guess it’s disappointing, but also it’s all part of the game, it’s all part of the theatre,” said Titans coach Des Hasler.

“I think it’s unfair to say he’s abandoning the ship, it’s not about abandoning the ship. He’s made a decision and everybody knew what was on the table.

“It’s part of the football merry-go-round – players come and go. The time has come to an end and he’s going to move to Sydney and pursue his footy down there.

“It’s a decision David has made, we will accept that and move on. I think the players will just get on with it, to tell you the truth. What can they do?”

Roosters back-rower Victor Radley spoke glowingly this week about Fifita.

“You want quality players, and he is a quality player,” he said. “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.”

Penrith has wanted to replace departing James Fisher-Harris with Fifita from next season. Fifita has spent four years with Gold Coast.

Originally published as NRL 2024: David Fifita signs with Sydney Roosters on $3.3 million, four-year deal