Boyd’s plea to Fifita: Don’t leave Brisbane over $50k

FORMER Brisbane skipper Darius Boyd has appealed for David Fifita not to quit the Broncos, saying the Queensland Origin superstar is on track to captain the NRL’s glamour club.

For all the millions being thrown at Fifita by the Gold Coast and other NRL rivals, a meagre $50,000 is the sticking point in negotiations between the Broncos and the blockbusting back-rower.

Brisbane’s original offer to the off-contract Fifita for next season was $650,000. That was increased last month to $700,000, but after the Titans tabled $1.1 million, then raised the stakes to $1.25m, Fifita went back to the Broncos asking for $750,000 for 2021.

The message to the Broncos was emphatic: come to the party with an extra $50,000 and Fifita will sign immediately. The Broncos held an emergency recruitment-andretention meeting on Tuesday to discuss a final pay increase, but the upgrade was denied.

Fifita called Broncos coach Anthony Seibold and told him he was joining the Titans, but has since backflipped and is weighing up his next move.

The 20-year-old is tipped to finally commit to the Broncos within the week and Boyd urged Fifita to consider more than just his bank account.

“I have been to a few different clubs and I never left for money,” said Boyd, who played at St George Illawarra and Newcastle. “Money doesn’t bring happiness.

“He has to consider what is best for him and his family … what’s going to be the best thing for his playing career.

“He can be our future captain … the sky is the limit for Dave.”