TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 28: David Fifita of the Titans celebrates after scoring a try during the round three NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at QCB Stadium on March 28, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
The Gold Coast Titans are confident that star back-rower David Fifita won’t walk away from the club despite the reported interest of a number of rivals now that he’s entered free agency.
Fifita is free to talk to clubs now ahead of the final year of his contract with the Titans, with his management confirming they’ve already fielded expressions of interest from a number of other clubs while the player himself is away on World Cup duties.
But while the Titans are expected to offer an extension that would mark a significant pay-cut for their star player, coach Justin Holbrook thinks his marquee man will put loyalty before money after establishing some close friendships during his time at the club.
“I’m confident David will stay,” Holbrook told the Daily Telegraph.
“I’ve made it clear I’d like Dave to stay and all the indications are that he will be here.
“We’ve managed to get a number of guys to recommit to the club. Tino, Beau Fermor, AJ Brimson, Jojo Fifita, we’re keeping the guys we want and I believe David wants to stay.
“We have to go through a process with his management. He’s away at the World Cup at the moment, so it’s hard to do anything, but we’ll do everything we can to keep him at the club.”
The Canberra Raiders are believed to be leading the way in terms of interested parties after the Green Machine secured the signature of Fifita’s partner Shaylee Bent for their inaugural NRLW side.
It’s believed the Raiders are putting together an offer similar to the arrangement that saw Adam Elliott follow partner Millie Boyle to Newcastle. The Dragons are another team that have expressed their interest.
Despite the Titans’ disastrous 2022 campaign, Holbrook was quick to refute claims that Fifita was unhappy or that the pair had fallen out.
“Dave didn’t have the best year, we know that,” Holbrook said.
“Who’s to blame? We all are.
“But we know how good he can be and with an experienced half in the mix like Kieran Foran next year, it will help Dave’s game.
“There are a number of reasons he was inconsistent with his form (in 2022), but I’m confident we can get the best out of him.”
Source:: ZeroTackle
