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Bennett keen on struggling $1.2m titans star
NRL
in partnership with
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has reportedly set his sights on a player he handed an NRL debut to in 2018 — David Fifita.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Titans’ million-dollar gun privately reached out to his former coach for advice.
Fifita is desperately hoping to recapture the form that saw him become the most exciting young forward in the game and is hoping Bennett’s influence can assist him.
Bennett gave the 22-year-old his first NRL start in 2018 at Brisbane and couldn’t hide the fact he would love to see Fifita on his roster while coaching the Dolphins.
Fifita is not available until the 2024 season — the Dolphins’ second year in the NRL — but Bennett is willing to wait while Fifita’s situation in the Gold Coast continues to sour.
It’s not my job to coach other players at other clubs, but I have a lot of respect for Dave. If he is on the market, yes, I would be interested in David Fifita.
“
— Wayne Bennett
Discussing the report on The Back Page, veteran Courier Mail journalist Robert Craddock said the pair had strong respect for each other and suggested Bennett could be the man to unlock Fifita.
You know what Bennett’s like, he simplifies things, he gives players confidence and he boosts their self esteem... everything this kid seems to be lacking.
“
— Robert Craddock
Rugby league legend Greg Alexander agreed, saying Fifita playing under Bennett at the Dolphins made a lot of sense.
He is such a unique talent... there’s no one as big and athletic as David Fifita. I guess coaches are just trying to work out, how do we get the best out of him?
“
— Greg Alexander
Words: Staff writersProducer: Andrew Piva
in partnership with																															

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/web-stories/free/the-australian/wayne-bennett-keen-to-get-titans-star-david-fifita-to-the-dolphins