Titans coach Justin Holbrook has labelled David Fifita’s form in 2023 “phenomenal” with an Origin recall looming for the gun backrower.
The 23-year-old was the first player born in the 2000s to play Origin when earned a Maroons debut in 2019, playing off the bench in Queensland’s series loss.
Fifita was ruled out of the 2020 series with a knee injury before he played two games in 2021, missing Game III due to suspension.
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The booming backrower was snubbed by Billy Slater last season amid a form slump which earned Fifita heavy criticism due to his million-dollar salary.
But this season, Fifita has been excellent and against the Eels in Magic Round he was once again hard to handle.
Fifita recorded a try assist, 125 running metres, five tackle breaks and four offloads during his side’s shock 26-24 win.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook believes his superstar forward “deserves the credit”.
“Phenomenal, that was a heavy ground out there and for him to carry the ball off our line in yardage as often as he did late in that game was huge for us,” Holbrook said in the post-match press conference.
“I say it every week now but Dave deserves the credit, he’s the one that has worked really hard and he wants to win.
“We all want to win and he is obviously playing a huge part in that… he’s the one that I’m glad everyone is realising the hard work he is getting through.
“He is playing fantastic for us and so many people are… Dave has been terrific.”
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Gold Coast Titans Press Conference | 04:51
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Holbrook was also asked if Fifita was due for a return to the Origin arena — and he believes three of his players deserve a call from Slater.
“I hope so, it is always hard, everyone starts talking about it but you know, Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui), Dave and big Moey (Fotuaika) those three, as a coach I can’t ask for any more,” Holbrook said.
“Those three are playing, since Round 1 as good as anyone can play so there’s always speculation. Obviously they are selected for a reason but at least all the Queensland teams are winning.
“When you are picking sides you are picking them off tough performances, and he (Fifita) has been able to do that every week for us.”
