David Fifita decides future as NRL bidding war comes to an end

NRL wrecking ball David Fifita has finally decided his future, signing a $2.4m deal after being chased by multiple clubs.

David Fifita of the Titans runs the ball during the round one NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval on March 05, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

NRL powerhouse David Fifita has put months of tense negotiations behind him to re-sign with the Gold Coast Titans on a three-year deal.

The 23-year-old was chased hard by multiple clubs including the Raiders and Broncos as his contentious three-year deal reached its final year, but Fifita eventually chose to stick solid with the Gold Coast on a deal worth $2.4m, according to The Courier Mail.

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While his new deal worth $800,000 per season is nothing to be sneezed at, it represents a significant financial downgrade from his previous salary of more than $1m per season.

The 110kg backrower was handed a whopping three-year, $3.2m contract to quit the Broncos and head down the M1 to the Titans in 2020.

It was the largest deal ever handed out in Gold Coast Titans history, and it came with expectations Fifita was never able to meet.

Despite that he remains one of the NRL’s most destructive players and his re-signing is a huge win for the Titans who have struggled in player recruit and retention in recent years.

David Fifita is sticking around. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“To have David commit to the Titans shows he believes in what we are building and it gives us great confidence as a club,” Titans coach Justin Holbrook said.

“As coach, I’ve seen David’s commitment first hand and that started weeks ago preparing for this season, working hard to be fit to perform at his best.

“We saw that in our first round win over the Tigers, with the work David has put in on full show.

“We have a core group of young guys committed to making our community proud here on the Coast and David is a big part of that.

“I’m excited David’s decided he wants to be a Titan long-term and I’m excited to work with him as we all look to bring success to our region over the next few years.”

Fifita took to Instagram to celebrate the news and to thank the Titans for their support.

“Super excited to announce that I’m going to be a titan for another couple of years!” Fifita wrote.

“Thankful for the club for backing me and giving me the opportunity to stay and do what I love here at the Titans.

“Shoutout to my family and friends for always being there for me during the highs and lows. Forever Grateful. Bring on Round 2.”

Fifita’s re-signing means the Titans now have a handful of big-name stars locked in at the club until the 2026 season, including Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Beau Fermor and AJ Brimson.

Originally published as David Fifita decides future as NRL bidding war comes to an end