Superstar backrower David Fifita is set to shun the offers of rival clubs and re-sign with the Titans in a huge coup for the Gold Coast club.
The Raiders were reportedly hoping to lure the 22-year-old to the nation’s capital in a package deal with partner Shaylee Bent.
However, according to The Daily Telegraph, the pair will now decide their futures individually and the Titans are reportedly confident they will retain their gun edge forward.
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Fifita’s huge $1.25 million per-season contract is set to run out at the end of the 2023 season and the Raiders and Dragons were reportedly hoping to lure him away from the Gold Coast,
The backrower reportedly went as far as touring Canberra’s training ground and headquarters with Ricky Stuart.
The team from the nation’s capital were reportedly willing to offer the former Maroons forward up to $900,000.
As it stands, both Bent and Fifita could still land at the Raiders — but their decisions won’t be dependent on each other after Canberra powerbrokers were seeking a recruitment drive similar to that of Adam Elliott and Millie Boyle at the Knights.
Contract negotiations with the Titans have reportedly been ongoing for several months and chief executive Steve Mitchell is confident that Fifita will remain at the club.
“It’s hard to talk retention and recruitment but we’re hopeful for a positive outcome with David,” Mitchell said.
“David enjoys the environment here but we’re under no illusions in regard to how much other clubs might want David given his capability.
“I think he enjoys the club and has a good environment here. He enjoys the coaching staff and playing group.
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“Dave’s been with us for a few years and we’d certainly like him to stay.
“He’s been good and is training well, he seems to be in a good place. The reports of his training have been strong and he’s put his head down and gone to work.”
The Titans had a disappointing campaign in 2022, but with a number of recruits including Kieran Foran and Sam Verills, coach Justin Holbrook will be desperate to climb the ladder.
Verills, who made the move from the Roosters ahead of the 2023 season, believes former Storm and Raiders enforcer Brett White will make a big difference after being employed as Holbrook’s assistant.
“We’ve brought in Brett White and he’s really taking control of the defensive side,” Verrills said on Brisbane’s 4BC radio.
“We know what wins games and we’ve had a lot of meetings about it in the pre-season, and that’s obviously defence.
“We’ve worked really hard as a team defending together and hitting well.
“I looked at the forward pack and the likes of Tino, Dave Fifita and I played with Isaac Liu as well and it’s such a strong forward pack and I can really see myself playing well with these guys around me.
“We’ve got a really good opportunity this year ahead of us and it’s now just getting our combinations right at training which we have been lately.”
