Titans show Fifita interest

Gold Coast request meeting with Broncos star

THE Titans have formally expressed interest in David Fifita and requested a face-to-face meeting as Gold Coast culture chief Mal Meninga sparks a derby bidding war for the offcontract Broncos sensation.

News Corp can reveal Titans hierarchy have officially entered the race for Fifita’s signature with the Gold Coast possessing a $3.2 million war chest in a bid to steal the Broncos young gun from their

Queensland rivals.

Fifita’s retention at the Broncos was considered a fait accompli, especially after Sydney clubs recently aborted their pursuit, but the Origin star revealed yesterday he isn’t sure if he would be at Red Hill in 2021.

That has opened the door for the Titans, who pose the greatest threat to the Broncos given their geographical location, which would allow Fifita to remain in his family home in Brisbane even if he played for the Gold Coast.

While Meninga last year lauded Fifita’s talent, the Titans never made a formal play as Sydney clubs led a $1 million charge for his signature.

That has now changed, with Fifita’s manager Steve Deacon fielding a call from Titans bosses seeking a formal meeting with the Queensland Origin wrecking ball.

Brisbane are firmly in the box seat to retain Fifita – and they are still highly confident of keeping him – but if the issue solely came down to money, the Titans could outbid them.

The Broncos’ salary cap constraints this season mean Brisbane are likely to offer Fifita a one or two-year deal with a view to offering him a more lucrative mega contract as he approaches his mid-20s.

But the Titans can table a massive package immediately.

It is understood Meninga has the salary-cap room to offer a four-year deal worth up to $800,000 a season – a $3.2m bonanza that will give Fifita food for thought.

The 107kg hulk, who celebrates his 20th birthday tomorrow, has ties to the Gold Coast. He attended the prestigious Keebra Park High and has a number of close friends at the Titans, including Tanah Boyd and monster forward

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, with whom he played in Queensland junior representative teams. Fa’asuamaleaui will link with the Titans next year.

Fifita’s comments yesterday that he is in no rush to sign with Brisbane will no doubt fuel the Titans’ desire to strike while the forward is vacillating over his next move.

“I’m not too sure what I’m going to do to be honest,” he said. “I’m happy at the Broncos. (But) It’s a business at the end of the day … you know how it works.”