Sam McIntyre reveals why David Fifita won’t be distracted when he plays the Cowboys on Sunday

Cowboys forward Sam McIntyre has shot down suggestions his former teammate and Gold Coast star David Fifita will be at all off his game on Sunday. Find out how the Cowboys are preparing.

Cowboys forward Sam McIntyre has shot down suggestions his former teammate and Gold Coast star David Fifita will be at all off his game on Sunday after announcing this season will be his last in Titans colours.

Fifita triggered a wave of speculation when he activated a clause in his contract that will allow him to play for a new club in 2025.

McIntyre played alongside Fifita on 18 occasions during his three seasons on the Gold Coast, and said he was the type of player that doesn’t get distracted by outside noise.

“It’s footy. It’s a business and he’s professional, he’s probably found out (that he’s leaving the Gold Coast) a couple of weeks ago,” McIntyre said.

“So I think that’s something for (the Titans) in house to figure out, we’ve just got to worry about what we’re doing.

Since winning a spot on the interchange in round 1, Sam McIntyre has played nine straight for the Cowboys and is three games shy of matching his record for games in a season. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“It doesn’t change the way that we’re going to prep the week, doesn’t change the way that we’re going to play, so it doesn’t bother us.”

While plenty of focus will be on Fifita in the lead-up to the clash, McIntyre said the team had to ensure they were paying attention to the rest of the on-field threats such as AJ Brimson.

“I know them pretty well because I was there for three years. I’m good mates with Dave (Fifita) – when he’s on, he’s on, and he’s really hard to handle,” McIntyre said.

“We’re going to have our hands full with him on the weekend, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.

NRL 2024 RD07 Gold Coast Titans v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles - David Fifita. NRL Photos

“Not only him, they have lots of high class, quality players in their side so we can’t put all our eggs in one basket with Dave, we’ve got a job to do with the other players too.”

Since winning a spot on the interchange in round 1, McIntyre has played nine straight for the Cowboys and is three games shy of matching his record for games in a season.

The versatile forward utility has only started 14 of his 48 NRL appearances – at second row, lock and hooker – but said earning a starting jersey was a goal every week.

“It’s my goal every month, any day. Every player wants to start, but I’m more than happy to play any role for this team,” McIntyre said.

Sam McIntyre of the Cowboys in action against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 4, 2024. Picture: NRL Imagery

“My junior footy I played wing, centre, backrow, a bit of five-eighth here and there. I’ve played a lot everywhere, maybe that’s why it’s taken a long time for me to cement my spot in a team. Now that I’m here I’m very comfortable playing lots of different positions.

“When the boys get called up to Origin, which I’m sure they will because they’re great players, then I’ll be the next man up hopefully to take one of those spots so I can get some wins while they’re away.

“With Jase (Taumalolo) coming off the bench or starting he’s an all-time player, especially at the Cowboys.

“He’s one of the greatest ever here, so you start him or you put him on the bench for impact or whatever you want to do – it’s all good.”

The Cowboys travel to the Gold Coast to play the Titans on Sunday afternoon, kick-off at 4.05pm.

Originally published as Sam McIntyre reveals why David Fifita won’t be distracted when he plays the Cowboys on Sunday