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Fifita had until 8pm on Thursday to take up the option at the Titans for the next two years.
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The decision is a blow to the Titans, although Fifita’s departure will free up significant salary cap space for the club 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. Hasler said he didn’t take Fifita’s decision personally.
“I think that is unfair to say that he is abandoning the ship,” Hasler said. “He has made a decision. It is not about abandoning ships. Everybody knew what was on the table.”
Hasler said there had been no thought of dropping Fifita for Sunday’s clash with the Cowboys.
“I guess it’s disappointing, but it is all a part of the game and part of the theatre,” Hasler said. “It is part of the football merry-go-round that footballers come and go, move from club to club, all the time. David’s a wonderful player, he’s been a good acquisition for the club, but he has decided his time has come to an end. He’s going to move to Sydney to pursue his footy career and footy interests down there. The club sincerely wishes him all the best.”
The Panthers and Roosters 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 wanted Fifita to 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 now they have added 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. The Roosters are keen on her services.
Hasler wouldn’t discuss how he would spend the money Fifita has freed up, but felt the Titans were on the rise despite sitting in 16th spot on the ladder.
“The club is growing,” Hasler said. “So far this year the results don’t lean towards that, but those who know our footy [see improvement]. Kieran Foran, who is a pretty good judge and has been in the game a long time [feels] there is something happening here.”
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