David Fifita’s ongoing troubles at the Gold Coast Titans centre around a mysterious injury and his expressed desire to play on a different part of the field. On Monday night, Nine’s Danny Weidler discussed the situation on 100% Footy, as anticipation builds for the Titans’ team announcement, particularly concerning whether the highly-paid forward will return to play.
Last week, Coach Des Hasler made the bold decision to drop Fifita to reserve grade after a series of disappointing outings. The 25-year-old’s latest performance for the Ipswich Jets ended in a heavy 32-0 defeat. Over the weekend, Fifita hinted at underlying issues, telling News Corp that "the truth will come out" regarding his removal from the first-grade squad, sparking speculation of a possible conflict within the team.
Weidler noted that Fifita is battling a serious ankle injury, which has significantly hindered his performance. There are concerns that this injury might be more severe than initially thought. Additionally, the coach appears to have directed Fifita to stick to his designated position, despite the player’s preference for a left-side role, where Beau Fermor is currently positioned.
In the backdrop, lingering questions have arisen about Fifita’s commitment to the team, suggesting a deeper issue that could complicate the situation further. Despite undergoing ankle surgery in September, there seems to be little communication from the Titans regarding the status of his recovery.
Fifita’s journey with the Titans has been rocky since he arrived in 2021 on a lucrative contract, which at the time made him one of the highest-paid players in the league. His accolades, including being named the Dally M backrower of the year in 2023, contrast sharply with the tumult he’s faced, including being dropped from the Queensland team under Billy Slater’s coaching without much explanation.
The Titans’ current struggles have left many in the rugby league community baffled. Analyst Phil Gould has voiced confusion over their inability to maximise the talent available in the squad, despite Hasler’s reputation as a disciplined coach expected to inspire performance. The team’s inconsistent efforts raise concerns among fans and commentators, as they have yet to translate their evident talent into a winning attitude and cohesive play.
Looking ahead, the Titans are set to clash with the Knights on Friday, with hopes that this match will unveil some resolution to the ongoing saga surrounding Fifita and the team’s performance issues.