David Fifita signs four-year deal with Roosters in stunning move

David Fifita’s contract has been the talk of the NRL this week but after a belief a deal with the Panthers was a done deal, he’s thrown a curveball.

Fifita will become a Rooster. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Sydney Roosters have signed wantaway Titans forward David Fifita, pipping three-time defending champions the Penrith Panthers for his signature.

Fifita activated a contract clause to leave the 16th ranked Titans, after he signed a three-year deal just last year, although the final two years of his deal were under a player option.

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After an inauspicious start to Des Hasler’s tenure as coach of the club, Fifita has decided to leave.

But in one last curveball, Fifita has reportedly signed a four-year $3.3 million deal to join the Roosters, despite the Panthers appearing in the box seat all week.

The Panthers had reportedly tabled an offer of $2.55m for three seasons — $850,000 a year — while the Roosters deal will come in slightly below that at $825,000 a season.

He’s currently on $1m a season at the Titans.

It’s a surprising turn of events after both Nathan and Ivan Cleary spoke to Fifita over the past 24 hours.

The Roosters are cashed up at the moment after the retirement of Luke Keary, Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii’s rugby defection and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves leaving for the UK Super League.

Roosters chairman Nick Politis was thrilled with the signing.

“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.”

It now raises questions about the Roosters’ hopes of retaining Angus Crichton with both men on significant money, although the club has claimed its has significant salary cap space to sign both men.

The Daily Telegraph reported Fifita was flip-flopping on where he would like to play and that he spoke with several different people, including former Titans coach Justin Holbrook, who is a current Roosters assistant.

Fifita is hoping to reach his potential with his move to the Tricolours. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

It comes after Fifita informed the Titans he wouldn’t be taking up the option to stay at the club.

A decision on Fifita’s future is likely imminent and Des Hasler explained he was “disappointed” that his star man will be departing.

“It’s all part of the game, a part of the theatre and a part of the football merry-go-round,” Hasler said to reporters on Thursday.

“Players come and go and move club to club all the time. David’s a wonderful player and he’s been a good aquisition for the club but he’s decided his time has come to an end.

“He’s going to move to Sydney and pursue his footy interest down there, and I wish him all the best.”

Hasler conceded it will change the Titans team moving forward, but explained “that’s what recruitment is about”, signalling the club will hit the open market.

The former Sea Eagles and Bulldogs mentor did however defend Fifita after a reporter asked if his teammates were upset the back rower was “abandoning the ship”.

“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,” Hasler replied.

“It’s unfair to say that.”

David Fifita has made his call. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Hasler’s time on the Gold Coast has not gone to plan so far as the Titans have only won one from eight with a bye to sit 16th, only ahead of the South Sydney Rabbitohs on points differential.

Fifita had the chance to leave the Titans last season after it was revealed his and club captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s contracts was tied to that of previous coach Justin Holbrook.

But both men signed up, with Fa’asuamaleaui signing a 10-year deal, while Fifita was believed to have been locked in for three years.

It turned out the final two years of the deal were under a player option, and Fifita had until the start of round 10 to activate the clause.