Ricky Stuart confirms Raiders’ $4m plot amid Titans contract debacle

The fallout of the bombshell news that Maroons duo David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui are “free agents” has already begun.

Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita are set to get plenty of attention. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The Canberra Raiders have launched the first raid to land the signature of David Fifita after news he and teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui were essentially free agents after the sacking of Justin Holbrook.

News Corp revealed on Sunday that the hulking pair had a contract clause in their deals which tied their fates to that of Holbrook, who was unceremoniously dumped as the Titans named Des Hasler as the club’s new coach on the same day.

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It was a shrewd juggling act from the Titans who were praised as there were no hints of a leak before the news dropped.

But the contract clauses could see the representative duo walk away from the club as the report stated the deals would be “null and void” if Holbrook were sacked.

Now a day on, there is already a bite as the Raiders will reportedly try again to lure Fifita to the club.

Fifita is a wanted man. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Earlier in the year, the Raiders offered Fifita a three-year $900,000 a year deal to relocate to the nation’s capital, but it was rejected as the 23-year-old extended his contract until the end of the 2026 season on the Glitter Strip.

But if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.

And the Raiders have taken that to heart, reportedly offering Fifita a four-year $1m a season contract.

“I have spoken to David’s manager this morning to put forward our offer,” Stuart confirmed to News Corp on Monday.

“I was informed he is now a free agent and we’re obviously very keen, just like last time.

“He is a tremendous player who would be a perfect fit at this club.”

Fifita has been in fine form in 2023. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The move would add even more grunt to the Raiders’ forward pack as the side looks for a new marquee player following the exit of Jack Wighton to the Rabbitohs.

It’s understood the players were unhappy with Holbrook’s sacking, as there was reportedly no consultation with the leadership group.

It’s also understood Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has been asked to speak to the players, while the pair will sit down with the Titans to discuss their futures after Origin.

The loss of one or both of Fifita or Fa’asuamaleaui would be devastating to the Titans’ premiership hopes ahead of Hasler taking the reins in 2024.