The Gold Coast Titans started the 2023 season with a win and have more reason to celebrate after announcing the extension of forward David Fifita on Monday night.
Both the Raiders and Broncos showed interest in the 23-year-old, who had previously been out of contract at the end of the season, but Fifita instead signed him to the Gold Coast for another three years.
according to News CorpThe span, valued at $2.4 million, followed with bids of up to $900,000 offshore from Canberra while Brisbane was reported to have secured $1.5 million of the maximum space.
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“David’s commitment to the Titans shows he believes in what we’re building and that gives us great confidence as a club,” said Titans coach Justin Holbrook.
“As a coach, I’ve seen firsthand David’s commitment which started weeks before this season, working hard to be fit to perform at his best.
“We saw that in the first round win over the Tigers, with the work David put in on full display.
“We have a core group of young people who are committed to making our community proud here on the coast and David is a huge part of that.
“I’m excited about David’s decision that he wants to be a Titan for the long term and I’m excited to work with him as we all look forward to achieving success in our region over the next few years.”
It’s a huge boost to the Titans’ long-term prospects, with teammates Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Beau Fermor and AJ Brimson also all locked out through the 2026 season.
Fifita wrote on Instagram that he was “grateful” to the Titans for his “support” and for giving him the chance to stay at the club.
He added, “Shout out to my family and friends for always being there for me during my ups and downs.”
Holbrook had said earlier this week that the Broncos are “definitely keen” on Fifita, adding that he knows Broncos coach Kevin Walters has been “ringing” and “talking” to the 23-year-old.
Although the Titans coach said he had heard “mixed reports” on whether Brisbane could afford him.
Veteran rugby league reporter Brent Reid said on Saturday Triple M He expects this week to be crucial in the Fifita contract talks and in particular the Brisbane interest.
“The information I’m getting is that Dave wants to come back [to Brisbane]Iqra said.
“The problem is Brisbane will have the money, it’s whether they have the money to make a competitive bid to get Dave back. They’ve kept the money for Haas and Carrigan to extend their deals.
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“I think this week is going to be really important on the David Fifita front, in terms of what Brisbane has put on the table, how serious this week and how serious Dave is. If Dave is serious about coming back to Brisbane, he’s going to have to take less money to do it.
“It will give Brisbane an indication of how serious Dave is. Wherever he goes there will be a huge pay cut [compared to what he is on now] But the wage cut is more significant in Brisbane.
“I think Brisbane wants to see a real signal from David that he wants to come back and if that’s the case they’re going to be serious about it.”
