In what can only be described as one of the biggest blindsides in NRL player move history, David Fifita is actually backflipping on his already-signed Sydney Roosters deal to stay with the Gold Coast Titans.
The star Queensland second-rower had already inked his signature on Sydney’s huge $3.3 million offer but reneged on the agreement today.
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It’s not the first time the Titans have been involved in a mega reversal, with Daly-Cherry Evans famously shooting down the Gold Coast club in 2015 after originally agreeing to head north. This time though, loyal Titans fans—even those who booed Fifita very, very loudly in round 10—will be celebrating right through to season’s end.
The backflip means Fifita has now activated his two-season player option and will be a Gold Coast Titan through to 2026. He was originally set to leave at the end of this NRL campaign.
“I’m extremely grateful for the time and interest shown in me over the past two weeks, but upon further reflection, I have made the decision that I want to remain a Titan beyond 2024,” Fifita said in an official Titans release.
“I’m excited about the direction the team is taking and being close to home, and my family has been central to helping me make this decision.”
The Roosters, who were blindsided by the thirteenth-hour change by the 24-year-old as much as the rest of the NRL world, suggested they had withdrawn their offer after Fifita “expressed doubts.” The tricolours team also made sure to mention that Fifita was the one to approach them first before today’s change of heart.
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Penrith had been monitoring the situation closely but once Fifita’s signature had dried on the Roosters paperwork the only change he could make was playing for Sydney or stay with the Titans.
