Fifita turns down Titans option, undecided between Roosters and Panthers
Gold Coast forward David Fifita has informed the Titans that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Fifita spent Wednesday night with his manager Michael Hudson considering his future and decided not to trigger an option in his Titans deal that would have seen him earn $1 million a season for the next two years.
Instead, the Queensland State of Origin representative has chosen to head to Sydney, and is weighing up significant offers from two premiership contenders.
An offer from the Panthers is believed to be worth around $850,000 a season for three years, while the Roosters have tabled a four-year deal worth slightly less per season.
Fifita had until 8pm on Thursday night to take up the option at the Titans for the next two years.
The decision is a blow to the Titans, although Fifita’s departure will free up significant salary cap space to chase a big name. Veteran half Kieran Foran is expected to play on next season, but coach Des Hasler now has the time and the money required to consider his long-term replacement.
David Fifita has made a decision on his future.
The Panthers and Roosters have both made compelling pitches. Penrith haven’t entered the market for an established star since signing James Tamou in 2017 and James Maloney the following season, preferring to invest in youth.
However, the imminent departure of James Fisher-Harris to the Warriors has left a hole in their forward pack that the Panthers feel Fifita can help plug.
The Roosters are cashed up due to the impending departures of Joseph Suaalii, Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Luke Keary. Fifita’s decision will have a knock-on effect for Angus Crichton, who is off contract at the end of the season.
The Roosters have indicated they want Crichton to stay, although the chances of that happening are likely to diminish if they add Fifita to an already impressive stable of back-rowers.
Fifita’s move to Sydney will likely have ramifications for his partner, Shaylee Bent, an NRLW player currently contracted to the Titans.
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