NRL transfer news: David Fifita’s Roosters backflip to have domino effect on rest of the league

David Fifita’s decision to stay on the Gold Coast threatens to have a domino effect on nearly half the clubs in the NRL, with the Roosters scrambling as the dust settles.

David Fifita’s decision to backflip on the Roosters and stay with the Titans is set to have a domino effect on the rest of the NRL. Picture: Getty Images

The Sydney Roosters are set to escalate talks with resurgent back rower Angus Crichton as David Fifita’s decision to stay on the Gold Coast threatens to have a domino effect on nearly half the clubs in the NRL.

Crichton was expected to be squeezed out after the Roosters revealed they had reached an agreement to sign Fifita from next season on a long-term contract, but the landscape has now dramatically changed following the forward’s unexpected U-turn.

His decision to stay on the glitter strip is set to have seismic ramifications for a handful of clubs, headlined by the Roosters. Salary cap pressure at the Bondi Junction club has suddenly been significantly eased, giving the Roosters the space to make a competitive offer for Crichton.

The Roosters watsed no time in contacting Angus Crichton’s manager after David Fifita reneged on his deal. Picture: NRL Photos

This masthead understands that the Roosters wasted no time contacting Crichton’s manager David Rawlings after news began to filter through of Fifita’s stunning about-face as they look to fast-track talks over his future.

Fellow back rower Sitili Tupouniua has also been given permission to explore his options on the open market given the logjam of back rowers at the Roosters.

It is understood that remains the case, although the Roosters could yet re-evaluate the situation depending on whether Crichton opts to stay or heads down the path of pursuing opportunities elsewhere.

Magic Round is set to be a frantic weekend for clubs and managers in the wake of the Fifita decision given a number of clubs were monitoring developments at the Roosters closely as they looked to strengthen their own back row spots.

Penrith, for example, had Crichton on a wishlist of potential targets after they were rejected by Fifita but they may now be forced to look elsewhere.

South Sydney had also been linked with a move for Crichton, who was formerly on their books before he moved to the Roosters.

The Roosters had given Sitili Tupouniua permission but could re-evaluate their position. Picture: Getty Images

The Dolphins had previously pursued Tupouniua and may have explored the opportunity to have a second shot at the New Zealander given their back row.

They may still do so, although any deal will be contingent on his future at the Roosters.

Fifita’s backflip is good news for St George Illawarra, who are under siege as they attempt to retain Jaydn Su’A.

It is understood the Titans were eyeing off Su’A had they lost Fifita but any plans to pursue the former Queensland back rower have now been put on hold as they look to strengthen their spine.

Fifita’s backflip is good news for the Dragons, with the Titans putting their plans to poach the Origin bolter on hold. Picture: NRL Photos

“Moving forward the spine is a crucial position,” Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said.

“There are a lot of really developed spine members that are going to move out over the coming years. We are not the only organisation faced with that and expansion will play more of a role in that over the next five years.

“Having Dave is a real priority. Dave for us playing on that edge and with this group and with Tino [Fa’asuamaleaui] coming back into the middle next year is a big part of promise about delivering success for the coast and we are pumped to have him.”

Mitchell also indicated the Titans were keen to keep five-eighth Kieran Foran on their books – the Gold Coast playmaker has a strong relationship with Fifita.

“From a game management point of view he has been exceptional in that jersey,” Mitchell said.

“We want Kieran with us for as long as we can keep him on the field. From a leadership point of view on and off field he has been exceptional for us.”

Originally published as NRL transfer news: David Fifita’s Roosters backflip to have domino effect on rest of the league