Secret clause could spark NRL feeding frenzy in 2023

Titans star David Fifita has quietly made a move that has the potential to cause mayhem in the NRL recruitment market.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: David Fifita of the Titans runs the ball during the round 22 NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Titans star David Fifita reportedly became a free agent on November 1, despite signing a three-year contract extension in August.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting the gun back rower’s deal included player options for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Therefore, he is free to negotiate with rivals clubs and his current contract sees him take home almost $1 million per-season.

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The secret clause in Fifita’s contract was reportedly included to allow him to build a relationship with incoming coach Des Hasler.

The Origin representative reportedly was close to leaving the Titans after the shock axing of coach Justin Holbrook.

David Fifita of the Titans could be departing the club. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

However, after a number of meeting with Hasler and fellow teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the pair were convinced to remain at the club.

Fa’asuamaleaui meanwhile signed until the end of 2033, but he also has a get out clause at the end of the 2026 season.

Fifita reportedly has until Round 10 to make up his mind and take up his player option for 2025 or will depart the club.

ROOSTERS’ HUGE RUGBY RECRUITMENT DRIVE

The Sydney Roosters are set to make a shock play for Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase to join the 13-man game from rugby union as the code war rolls on.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Roosters boss Trent Robinson will meet with Nawaqanitawase next week in a potential revenge mission for Joseph Suaalii defecting to rugby.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to meet with the Roosters next week.

Nawaqanitawase was one of the Wallabies’ best and brightest stars over the last two seasons and was a starter in their failed 2023 World Cup campaign.

The Roosters are well stocked with outside backs in 2024 with former Knights star Dom Young joining the club.

The Roosters already have Daniel Tupou and Junior Pauga on their books for 2024, but the former is tipped to move on, while Suaalii will switch to rugby after next season.

Nawaqanitawase, 23, has scored 27 tries in 45 games for the Waratahs and five tries in 11 Tests for Australia since making his debut in 2022.

Nawaqanitawase’s potential defection would be a massive blow for rugby union who are trying to bounce back from a horror season under now departed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

Nawaqanitawase would likely play wing while he learns the sport, but could be an option at fullback down the line when James Tedesco hangs up the boots.

The 23

Originally published as Secret clause could spark NRL feeding frenzy in 2023