Titans rubbish claims Fifita could walk out

THE Gold Coast Titans have issued a hands-off edict to Wayne Bennett following revelations $3.5m forward David Fifita has sought counsel from the Dolphins coach.

Fifita reached out to Bennett for guidance as his 2022 season unravels on the back of coach Justin Holbrook’s selections and a knee injury.

Holbrook shifted Fifita to centre against the Cowboys, where he was exposed defensively, and then benched him for last Friday’s loss to Penrith, with starting replacement Kevin Proctor making one run for zero metres.

Fifita, 22, has endured a turbulent time since joining the Titans last year, scoring a club-record 17 tries in 2021, but also being benched multiple times and copping criticism for, at times, some lacklustre efforts.

That has prompted Fifita to reach out to Bennett, the Dolphins’ foundation coach who blooded him in the NRL at the Brisbane Broncos in 2018.

While Bennett and Fifita’s dialogue is believed to be in a mentoring capacity, the seven-time premiership-winning coach confirmed he would look to sign Fifita when he comes off contract for the 2024 season.

But the Titans have hit back at suggestions Fifita could walk out on the club that made him one of the NRL’s highest-paid players.

“Dave is well connected in the game, he’s got a history there (with Bennett), he’s been coached at a high level since when he was a junior,” said Titans CEO Steve Mitchell.

“Dave wants to play good footy. Unfortunately at the moment he’s got a medial strain that will keep him out for four weeks.

“I don’t know if there’s much to it (Fifita and Bennett’s dialogue). He is a great young man and we’re fortunate to have him here.

“I like working with him and he is great for the club. He clearly wants to play better footy. The coaches are actively engaged with him and we’re looking forward to getting him back on the paddock.”

While the Dolphins are clear to hold talks with Fifita for 2024 and beyond, they are not permitted to try to coax him out of his 2023 Titans deal, the final season of his three-year Coast contract.

After moving back to Brisbane last year, Fifita has since purchased a house on the Gold Coast and the Titans are keen to open contract extension talks with the Queensland Origin star.