The Raiders have made a stunning second attempt at signing Titans superstar David Fifita amid the revelation that both he and teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui have become free agents following Justin Holbrook’s sacking.
Fifita signed an extension with the Titans until the end of 2026 earlier this season, while Fa’asuamaleaui’s contract runs until the end of 2024 with an option for two more years.
But the duo have clauses in their multimillion-dollar contracts that would make those deals void if Holbrook was dismissed, according to News Corp.
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Holbrook was shown the door 11 days ago, meaning both players will now become free agents as season’s end.
News Corp has since revealed that the Raiders have tabled Fifita a mega four-year offer worth $4 million.
“I have spoken to David’s manager this morning to put forward our offer,” Stuart confirmed to News Corp on Monday.
“I was informed he is now a free agent and we’re obviously very keen, just like last time.
“He is a tremendous player who would be a perfect fit at this club.”
The Raiders attempted to lure Fifita to the nation’s capital in January with a three-year, $2.7 million offer only for the 23-year-old to re-sign with the Titans.
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The bombshell update comes after veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield predicted both Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui would field offers by midday on Monday.
“I will tell you what I find quite incredible about this story is if you were playing under Wayne Bennett, or you were playing under Craig Bellamy you could understand there might be one or two footballers who would want a coaching clause,” Rothfield said on Sky Sports Radio’sBig Sports Breakfast.
“Now Justin Holbrook was obviously extremely close to Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) and David Fifita, he’d overseen them when they’d emerged from bright rugby league prospects into NRL superstars.
“Those two boys enjoyed playing under his coaching to such an extent that when they renewed their contracts they said to their managers they wanted Holbrook clauses.
“(The Titans) have taken a punt and sacked Holbrook with no consultation of the leadership group, they kept it a secret.
“But it is a huge surprise and I can absolutely guarantee… that clubs working on their salary cap as we speak, I reckon by lunchtime today there will be offers from rival clubs for both players.
“They are about to go into Origin camp so I can’t see anything happening in the next week or two, but long term it is a real problem for the Titans and incoming coach Des Hasler.”
Ricky Stuart’s Raiders were in for Fifita prior to his contract extension and the gun backrower even toured the club’s facilities.
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A return to the Broncos was also floated for the Queensland star who left the Red Hill club for the Gold Coast after the 2020 season.
Meanwhile, Fa’asuamaleaui was at the top of the Dolphins’ wishlist for their inaugural NRL season in 2023 and did sit down with master coach Wayne Bennett.
Now multiple clubs will likely make huge plays for the off-contract duo with the Dragons being one potential landing spot.
With star playmaker Ben Hunt angling for an early release from his lucrative contract and centre Zac Lomax informed he can look elsewhere — Shane Flanagan will have cap space to burn.
Meanwhile, Canberra will also have money to throw at the pair following Jack Wighton’s decision to leave the nation’s capital and join the Rabbitohs.
The Bulldogs are also on the hunt for a halfback but could target the two strike forwards if they free up extra cap space, while the Dolphins could also have funds to play with for 2024.
