Fifita keen to stay in Oz despite big rift with NRL

Andrew Fifita was “emotionally wrecked” leading into the grand final with the threat of expulsion from the NRL hanging over the Cronulla prop.

Revelations of Fifita’s support of convicted one- punch killer Kieran Loveridge, a childhood friend, sparked an ongoing investigation by the NRL integrity unit in September.

But, according to grand final hero’s representatives, his treatment by the league officials left him reeling in the weeks before the Sharks’ historic premiership victory.

“They have thrown him under a bus, put it in reverse and then gone over him again,” his management company, I. Am. Global, told Fairfax Media in a statement.

“Leading into the grand final, Andrew was not in a good headspace.

“He was told his contract could be ripped up, was panicking and went into a bit of depression.

“It didn’t show because he played so well, but he was emotionally wrecked up until the grand final.”

The Cronulla prop was excluded from the Kangaroos’ Four Nations squad due to his off- field issues. He was also snubbed for the Clive Churchill medal despite starring in the grand final with a match- winning try.

His management also accused officials of failing to meet with Fifita when he reached out to the NRL.

But he wants “closure”. The 27- year- old reportedly weighed offers to play in either the English Super League or French rugby next year, but that was a worst- case scenario.

“He has never wanted to leave rugby league or Cronulla,” the statement said. “It was only that it appeared his contract would be ripped up that he had to consider plan B. It had nothing to do with the Clive Churchill medal or his omission from the Kangaroos squad.

“We have had to consider other things but only in case he loses his registration. If that doesn’t happen, he isn’t going anywhere.”