Chase for Fifita could start war
RIGHT on cue, the money has come in for Keebra Park’s wunderkid David Fifita.
It’s understood one rival club yesterday morning – only hours after the November 1 deadline had passed – tabled a deal worth upwards of $5 million for the Brisbane superstar.
The offer doesn’t immediately break the million-dollar barrier but it does towards the end of what could finish up being a seven-year agreement.
After Matt Gillett’s retirement, Brisbane will now be in position to provide an immediate upgrade to Fifita’s existing deal and extend him at a competitive rate thereafter.
A host of clubs have been linked with Queensland Origin backrower Fifita, among them the Warriors, Parramatta and Canterbury.
Wests Tigers are also likely to take a look at Fifita, although they also have an interest in Gold Coast pair AJ Brimson and Jai Arrow.
It is understood Arrow, who was given permission to speak to clubs before November 1, has held discussions with the coach and officials from at least one Sydney club.
South Sydney loom as the wildcard in talks over Fifita and Arrow. The Rabbitohs are waiting to hear whether they will receive salary cap dispensation for the early retirement of Sam Burgess but the process is underway – a move that could potentially result in the Rabbitohs having up to an additional $1 million to spend over the next four seasons.
With the Trbojevic brothers – Jake and Tom – expected to be off the market within days, Fifita, Arrow, Tyson Frizell and Latrell Mitchell could attract big bucks. Canterbury, Gold Coast and the Warriors are also in the market for English forward Luke Thompson.