Fifita, you’re a Rooster
Titan bound for Sydney
Sydney Roosters have trumped fierce western Sydney rivals Penrith and Gold Coast Titans in the $3.3m pursuit of Queensland’s David Fifita.
In a stunning decision, Fifita informed the Roosters of his decision on Thursday afternoon, leaving Penrith to lament how he rejected the triple champions. The four-year Roosters deal is worth $3.3m, Penrith’s offer of $2.5m spanned three years. Penrith appeared favourite throughout negotiations only for the Roosters – through a $4m war chest – to emerge victorious.
Fifita will add firepower to a Roosters side preparing to lose Jared Wearea-Hargreaves, Joseph Suaalii, Luke Keary and Joey Manu.
The Roosters still claim to have sufficient salary cap space to re-sign in-form back-rower Angus Crichton.
“We would have liked to have signed him but it’s not the end of the world,” Panthers group chief executive Brian Fletcher said.
“There will be plenty of other options open to us before the end of the year. We’re not concerned.”
Fifita has officially quit Gold Coast on Thursday morning but was tormented over whether to join the Roosters or Panthers. It is understood Fifita was wrestling and grappling over his future, continuously flipping his preference before finally settling on Bondi.
Rugby league’s biggest hitters were out and about trying to convince Fifita where he should sign.
Fifita had spoken with Roosters coach Trent Robinson and influential chairman Nick Politis and is a good friend with fellow Queenslander Lindsay Collins through State of Origin.
He is also close to former Titans coach and current Roosters assistant Justin Holbrook.
It is understood Fifita and Roosters forward Spencer Leniu have also talked over the phone, the pair having previously played together with the Australian Schoolboys.
Fifita is also a mate of Roosters halfback Sam Walker through a Queensland connection.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has also been regularly in touch with Fifita while the giant forward has also spoken personally with Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary.
Penrith and the Roosters have offered Fifita around $850,000 a season. Gold Coast’s deal was worth about $1m a year for 2025 and 2026.
While a blow to Gold Coast, the club now has significant money to chase a halfback.
“I guess it’s disappointing, but also it’s all part of the game, it’s all part of the theatre,” Titans coach Des Hasler said.
“I think it’s unfair to say he’s abandoning the ship, it’s not about abandoning the ship. He’s made a decision and everybody knew what was on the table.
“It’s part of the football merry-go-round – players come and go.
“The time has come to an end and he’s going to move to Sydney and pursue his footy down there.”