Canberra Raiders still in the picture to secure backrower’s signature
THE Canberra Raiders are still in the fight for the signature of David Fifita with champion Green Machine frontrow forward Glenn Lazarus urging the ex-queensland backrower to switch to the national capital to unlock his destructive best potential.
Fifita, 22, quit the Broncos at the end of the 2020 season to ink one of the richest deals in NRL history by joining the Gold Coast in a $3 millionplus coup for the Titans.
But as the ex-maroons State of Origin forward prepares to enter the final year of the Titans deal his career is at a crossroad after failing to deliver for the past two seasons.
Lazarus, who won five premierships with three different clubs in a decorated career, said that the best thing for Fifita was a change of environment and the chance to join an international forward pack led by Josh Papalii’i, Joseph Tapine and Elliott Whitehead.
“David’s a very talented rugby league player, I’d have him in my side every day of the week. We’ve seen glimpses over the years with some of the tries he’s scored and some of the highlight reel moments he’s been a part of he’s got enormous talent,” Lazarus said. “But he hasn’t been able to do it consistently.
“The move to the Titans and the stigma that goes with being the marquee man on the big money it just hasn’t worked.
“I remember when Mal Meninga first arrived at the Raiders in the early 80s and there was an expectation because of who he was he was just single-handedly going to win all these footy games.
“As talented as Mal was he couldn’t do it all on his own. He ended up being an Immortal and winning grand finals and being probably the Raiders’ best player of all time.
“But sometimes it takes time and sometimes players need a change of environment to challenge themselves and reach their potential.
“That’s where I think a move to Canberra and a complete change would really suit David.”
Fifita is expected to make a call on his future for 2024 in the next fortnight. The Raiders initially tabled Fifita a three-year deal worth around the $2.7 million mark.