ARU warns Andrew Fifita against making switch to rugby union for money reasons

RUGBY union would welcome Andrew Fifita into the 15-man code — but not if money is his primary motivation.

Andrew Fifita in action for Cronulla Sharks.

RUGBY union would welcome Andrew Fifita into the 15-man code — but not if money is his primary motivation.

Fifita revealed four days ago that “I wish I chose rugby” after enduring fierce criticism from within rugby league ranks for his defection from the Sharks to the Bulldogs.

After the Bulldogs today tore up his contract — believed to be worth $3.5 million over four years — the superstar forward now has the opportunity to explore a potential code switch.

When asked today whether they were interested in signing Fifita, an ARU official said: “If Andrew wanted to talk to us, it would need to be for rugby reasons and not based on the earning capacity he could demand in league.”

“We’re not aware of Andrew Fifita’s contractual matters and have not had any recent discussions with him,” the official said.

“We won’t have any further comment on this matter, and as far as we are aware, we are not involved in his current or future plans.”

Fifita set the league and union worlds abuzz on Friday when he expressed his desire to switch to rugby union — just weeks after agreeing to join the Bulldogs on a lucrative, multi-year deal.

“If I could go back now, I wish I chose rugby and then I wouldn’t be getting all the s*** I’ve been catching now,” Fifita told AAP. “I grew up playing rugby so it was one of the best things.

“It’s always going to be there and I will eventually go to union.

“It’s another dream and I just want to chase another dream.

“I’ve pretty much got everything in rugby league except a premiership and that’s all I really want, and to win an Origin series.”

Fifita was pictured in the crowd at a Waratahs match last month, which fuelled speculation he was seriously considering the invitation of Ewen McKenzie to switch from league to union.

Fifita had met with Wallabies coach McKenzie before Christmas.

He eventually turned down the ARU’s interest and agreed to join the Bulldogs a fortnight ago, only for the club to pull their deal today.