NRL 2020: David Fifita backflips for Brisbane Broncos after Titans contract offer

Freak NRL talent David Fifita is reportedly pursuing a “loan” deal to escape the Broncos before returning on a long term contract.

The Broncos were waiving the white flag.

NRL star David Fifita’s contract saga has on Wednesday produced more twists and turns than a Melbourne Storm-Sydney Roosters golden point thriller — and it might not be over yet.

On a day of high drama, Fifita is reported to have changed his mind several times as he gets to the pointy end of his contract negotiations with the Broncos and Gold Coast Titans.

The NRL’s hottest talent on Wednesday morning was reported to have backflipped to remain with the Brisbane Broncos just hours after the club waved the white flag to accept his decision to walk out the door.

It was reported Wednesday morning Fifita had given the Broncos a verbal guarantee that he was staying with the club for the 2021 season after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract extension.

However, that was followed by a stunning report that claimed Fifita is pursuing a one-year deal with the Titans with the understanding that he will return to the Broncos on a long term deal beginning in 2022.

Channel 7’s Chris Garry first reported on Twitter Fifita is torn and wants to play with both South East Queensland clubs.

However, the report claims the Broncos have already shot down Fifita’s two-club proposal.

Having been knocked back, The Courier-Mail reports Fifita on Tuesday night told Broncos officials he had decided to accept a $1.1 million deal with the Titans.

The report claims the Broncos have refused to budge on the $700,000 offer on the table for Fifita, despite the Titans boosting their price from $1 million to $1.1 million this week.

The Titans deal was too good to ignore on Tuesday night, but Fifita had a change of heart on Wednesday morning, telling Broncos officials he was prepared to turn down the Titans’ offer and re-sign with Brisbane.

Channel 9’s Danny Weidler first reported the Broncos had privately accepted Fifita had decided to take up a rich one-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans.

The injured forward has been the most sought-after talent in the game as he negotiates his next contract, reportedly also receiving rich offers from clubs in Sydney, including the Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Roosters.

David Fifita can do what he damn well pleases.

The Broncos had previously been confident of retaining the Queensland State of Origin star, despite reports conceding the club was aware it couldn’t a match mega-offer reportedly on the table from the Titans.

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That confidence was shaken this week with club officials believing they had lost their man.

But on Wednesday there was another dramatic twist with Fifita telling the Broncos privately that he won’t be going anywhere.

“David Fifita has called a leading Brisbane official in last hour to say he has had a change of heart,” Weidler posted on Twitter Wednesday morning.

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“Broncos said he was gone last night. Fifita gave an official a verbal “I’m staying”. Again - no one will go on record. If true, quite the backflip. Stay tuned.”

It was reported last month the Titans had offered the 20-year-old a five-year, $5 million deal, but it has since been revealed Fifita will only sign a one-year contract for the 2021 season before he intends to sign a long-term deal in 2021.

David Fifita’s contract saga is a better spectacle than a Broncos game in 2020.

Weidler wrote on Twitter Wednesday morning the Broncos can’t match the Titans’ offer.

“View out of Broncos is THEY say David Fifita is gone,” Weidler wrote.

“Broncos (salary) cap needs cleaning up. Can’t and won’t match offer from Titans. No one on record. Asked manager Steve Deacon for confirmation: ‘No decision yet, but will be one soon’. Broncos negotiating tactic?”

Broncos legend Gorden Tallis said last month he hoped Fifita made the decision to move to the Titans to become the face of the club.

“I really hope so,” Tallis told Fox Sports when asked about the Titans connection.

“I think when you catch a big fish all the others come. I think when you’re on that boat other people want to come and join and maybe be part of it.

“They just need a marquee player.”

The Titans also beat the Broncos just a couple weeks ago as the Brisbane club continues to suffer through one of its greatest form slumps in the history of the proud club.

The Broncos’ on-field performances have given Fifita few incentives to remain with the club.

Fifita is expected to return from his knee injury in Round 10 and is expected to officially announce his decision well before he returns to the field for the Broncos.

Meanwhile, NRL great Laurie Daley says the Broncos officials need to be held accountable if they fail to hold onto the most exciting prospect in the game right now.

“If they lose David Fifita they’ve severely stuffed it up,” Daley said.

“He’s the most promising, the best forward of them all. They can’t lose him. You can lose some of the others but you can’t lose him.”