Sharks’ biggest rivals circling Andrew Fifita after selection snub

Unwanted star Andrew Fifita reportedly has a lifeline to save his career, with the Sharks’ biggest rivals circling for his signature.

Andrew Fifita is out in the cold.

Unwanted Sharks star Andrew Fifita is reportedly being circled by the Dragons, Cronulla’s biggest rivals.

Reports emerged Tuesday night the Dragons are preparing a move to lure Fifita away from the Sharks on a deal that could see the former Dally M Prop of the Year switch teams immediately.

The Australian’s Brent Read revealed details of the Dragons’ interest in Tuesday’s Fox League NRL 360 show, revealing the 31-year-old has spoken with Dragons coach Anthony Griffin.

However, the Dragons remain wary of Fifita’s reported monster contract, reported to be worth $1.7 million across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

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"He's an $800,000 footballer playing NSW cup" Will Andrew Fifita be a Shark beyond 2021? 🦈🐉

Tune in to #NRL360 on Ch 502 or stream on @kayosportspic.twitter.com/SJ74eOp6RW

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 23, 2021

Read said the Dragons would only be interested if the Sharks are willing to pay a significant part of Fifita’s contract, but are prepared to put Fifita on their books for 2021 and 2022.

The report claims the Dragons are one of the few clubs left with the required salary cap space to add Fifita to their 30-man, first grade roster.

It comes after Fifita was again overlooked for selection for the Sharks’ Round 3 clash with Parramatta, having been dumped to reserve grade for the entire season so far.

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Pictured at Shark Park in Cronulla is Cronulla Sharks NRL player Andrew Fifita ahead of the start of the 2021 season. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Sydney Morning Herald also reports the Dragons are yet to make a formal approach to Fifita, but the club is continuing to monitor his situation with the Sharks.

Fifita has been with the Sharks for more than nine years and was the driving force behind the club’s grand final victory in 2016.

Despite dropping a staggering 20kg this off-season in an attempt to prepare his body for the extra speed in the game as a result of rule changes, Fifita is out of favour with coach John Morris and has been unable to find a way back in the club’s best 17 following two games in the NSW Cup.