Sydney NRL clubs angry as David Fifita set to sign new Broncos contract
It appears the race for David Fifita’s signature is over, with leading Sydney NRL clubs left frustrated by the Queensland star’s contracts talks after his stint in a Bali jail.
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Indebted to Brisbane for helping in his release from a Balinese jail cell, Queensland star David Fifita is poised to spurn $4m offers from Sydney clubs to re-sign with the Broncos.
And The Daily Telegraph has been told Sydney clubs are “feeling used” during Fifita’s contract negotiations.
Brisbane’s delicate rescue of a grateful and relieved Fifita from a Bali prison last month has made the 19-year-old sensation feel obligated to commit to a four-year deal with Brisbane.
Fifita, off contract after next season, has attracted interest from 12 NRL clubs including Sydney powerhouses the Roosters, Canterbury, Parramatta and South Sydney along with New Zealand, Gold Coast.
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While Fifita has yet to formally agree or re-sign, Sydney-based recruitment managers are adamant he will not head to Sydney as had been suggested.
One well-known recruitment manager said: “I think we’re all being used. He is staying at the Broncos. There’s been a wall go up around him from his management team since Bali.”
In November, Fifita struck a Balinese security guard outside the La Favela nightclub in Seminyak and was locked up by local police for three nights.
Brisbane played a significant role – but denied outlaying the required $30,000 – in having Fifita released from prison.
Broncos welfare officer Adam Walsh helped broker what was described as a “peace agreement” with the security guard, Dani Irawan.
Owing gratitude to the club, Fifita now feels an obligation to re-sign with Brisbane and ignore the four-year, $4m offers ready to be tabled by Sydney clubs.
The Rabbitohs – through the influence of coach Wayne Bennett – continue to discuss Fifita heavily along with Gold Coast forward Jai Arrow.
Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill told The Daily Telegraph his club had discussed the possibility of seeking contract talks with Fifita.
“Clearly David Fifita is a talent and I would suggest that most clubs would be interested in having a chat,” Hill said.
“We would be keen to have a chat to him at the right time. There’s no harm having a chat and finding out more information. From what I understand, there’s been no movement from his agent in preparing to talk to anyone.
“We are getting linked with every player. But we can certainly be active in the market (after next season), the challenge is ensuring we select the appropriate players and spend the right amount of money on those players.
“Those types of player (like Fifita) would enhance our squad, no doubt. It’s a matter of who is available. At the right time, we will put our hand up to have a conversation with him and to determine whether the Bulldogs are a club he wants to play for.”
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When asked about Fifita, Bulldogs forward Adam Elliott added: “He’s a quality player. Whatever club gets him, I don’t think too many people would be upset.
We have a great group here but it’s heartening to know (the club could make an offer).
“It’s better to play with him than against him. I’d love to carry the ball after he’s had a run. He’s big, powerful and has great footwork.
“He’s an instinctive player as we saw with that grubber he put in (for a try) last year. He’s one of those players who is young and full of confidence.”
The NRL continues to investigate Fifita’s Bali drama with the findings yet to be made public. Fifita captained Australia’s Junior Kangaroos against France in Wollongong in October.