The Canberra Raiders are still in the fight for the signature of David Fifita with champion Green Machine front row 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 million-plus 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 cross-road after failing to deliver for the past two seasons.
Lazarus, who won five premierships with three different clubs in a decorated career, told foxsports.com.au the best thing for Fifita is a change of environment and the chance to join an international forward pack led by Josh Papali’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.
“I met him at the Broncos and he was playing some really good footy there but then that attracted the Titans and all of a sudden he’s the million-dollar man and there’s all this expectation.
“He just hasn’t looked comfortable at the Titans.
“You often hear players talk about when you look around the dressing room and see other great players it gives you confidence. You get that in Canberra with Josh Papali’i, Joseph Tapine, Elliott Whitehead and Jack Wighton.
“David has showed over his short career he’s got enormous potential. I just think playing with other seasoned senior representative forwards like some of those players just mentioned could really take his game to the next level.
“For whatever reason at the Gold Coast – and this isn’t a criticism of the coaching or anything else up there – but it hasn’t worked out for him.
“If he really wants to challenge himself, get out of his comfort zone and become a better player by being surrounded by some other great mentors then I think joining the Raiders is the best choice he can make.”
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Fifita is expected to make a call on his future for 2024 in the next fortnight with reports north of border suggesting the Raiders deal was on the brink of collapse with the Gold Coast buoyant about re-signing the Tonga international.
The Raiders initially tabled Fifita a three-year deal worth around the $2.7 million mark.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart told foxsports.com.au the Raiders remained in talks with Fifita.
“I’ve had time with David and his family,” Stuart said.
“David’s got a big decision to make and we’ve told him why we believe he’d be a perfect fit at the Raiders.
“We’re very fortunate that we’ve got an extremely experienced, talented forward pack and adding David would only make us even stronger.
“I’ve told David I believe our leaders could really benefit him.
“I don’t want to play it out in the media and we’ll give David the space he needs to make his decision.”
