An emotional Andrew Fifita has announced he will leave Cronulla at the end of the season but believes he still has at least one more NRL campaign left in him.
Key points:
- Andrew Fifita said moving from the Tigers to the Sharks was the best move he ever made
- Fifita became an Origin and international regular while playing at Cronulla, and scored the winning try in the 2016 grand final
- He did not rule out a return to the Tigers for one last NRL season
Fifita will play his last home game on Saturday, telling Sharks teammates on Tuesday he could no longer stand in the way of younger players.
One of Cronulla’s finest ever forwards, Fifita has risen into a NSW and Kangaroos Test prop while at the Sharks, while also leading the Pacific revolution.
The powerhouse front-rower also scored one of the most important tries in the Sharks’ history, claiming the match-winner in their only ever grand final triumph in 2016.
“The best thing I ever did was was come over from the Wests Tigers,” Fifita said.
“It was the best move I ever made. And for me personally, for me and my wife literally.
“I think it’s time for me to move on from the Sharks.
“As much as I’m heartbroken, I’m quite happy that I’ve left on good terms and especially with the young ones coming through it’s it’s time to depart.”
Off contract at the end of the year, Fifita said he and coach Craig Fitzgibbon had spoken about future off-field roles at the club.
But for now, Fifita is adamant he still has more football left in him.
Fifita said moving to Cronulla was the best decision he ever made.(AAP: Brendan Esposito)
The 33-year-old said there had been approaches from other clubs, and refused to rule out interest in a return to the Tigers next year under former coach Tim Sheens.
There is also significant interest in the English Super League, with his brother David playing for Wakefield Trinity.
“I wouldn’t say [this is my] retirement, I reckon I’ve still got another year in me somewhere else,” Fifita said.
“My focus is on the Sharks at the moment, if there’s opportunities out there, especially to go help my brother overseas or in the NRL also.
“But at this point in time I think it’s time for me to move, especially with the young ones coming through.”
Fifita had only got through this season after recovering from a fractured larynx which left him in a coma late last year, while also overcoming constant knee injuries which had stalled his career previously.
AAP
Source:: ABC News
