The Penrith Panthers are expected to win the race for David Fifita’s in-demand signature, with the lure of a near-guaranteed premiership ring beating out the rich offers Sydney, St George Illawarra, and the Gold Coast have been able to offer.
The Roosters offered $825,000 yesterday, the Dragons’ opening bid cleared seven figures, and Fifita is already earning just shy of a million a season in his ongoing Gold Coast contract, but none could command Penrith’s biggest promise: a very clear spot in pole position for a premiership ring playing alongside Nathan Cleary.
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The deal, which is basically all wrapped up, played out in a secret meeting in Sydney last Sunday evening. Fifita flew into town the day after facing Melbourne in round nine.
Fifita does have two years left on his Titans deal right now.
However, a player-sided clause boiled into his extended contract means he can decline the last 24 months of the deal if he wants—as long as he decides to waive them before round ten this season. That leaves Fifita counting down the clock until 8pm Thursday, which is well he’ll have to tell Des Hasler and Gold Coast’s bosses if he wants to stay.
The fact the Panthers, Roosters, and Dragons are all chasing him this hard suggests he’ll tell the Titans he’s leaving as soon as Thursday morning, though he’s leaving it as late as possible.
The 24-year-old, who many regard as the best second rower in the game, has previously spoken about not wanting to move to Sydney, but those feelings appear to have changed. He has told those close to him he wants to win an NRL title.
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Either way, The Sporting Base expects things to be wrapped up by week’s end.
