Phil Gould has critiqued the Gold Coast Titans for their acquisition of David Fifita from the Broncos, deeming it an “irresponsible purchase.” Since his breakout in 2018 with the Broncos, Fifita has been recognised for his potential, leading to a fierce bidding war in 2020, ultimately resulting in a deal that made him the league’s highest-paid player at $1.25 million per year over three years.
Fifita’s initial season was marked by impressive performances, including hat-tricks and selection for State of Origin. However, under changing circumstances at the Titans, including the sacking of coach Justin Holbrook, he was faced with uncertainty. In 2024, he had the option to join the Roosters after their successful pursuit but ultimately chose to remain with the Titans on a revised $1.1 million contract.
Regrettably, 2024 proved challenging for Fifita. He missed out on Origin selection, was dropped by the Titans, and played at the Queensland Cup level, leading to speculation about his future with the club. Gould insists that the complications in Fifita’s career stem from the colossal contract he signed in 2020. He argued that while it was tempting, that contract placed immense pressure on Fifita and his performance, potentially stalling his development.
Gould highlighted that young players like Fifita require careful management and underscored that the focus should be on their development rather than financial incentives. He pointed out that large contracts can lead to players being overlooked in their development, as clubs may assume their high pay means they do not require guidance. This creates an excessive burden on the player, leading them to possibly focus more on their salary than on improving their skills.
Despite acknowledging Fifita’s talent, Gould believes that the flaws in his game were apparent from the start and that opponents have since learnt how to counter his strengths effectively. He urged Fifita to rethink his approach, suggesting that his future should not revolve around money, but rather focus on becoming a well-rounded player and a dependable team member.
Gould encouraged Fifita to reflect on his career objectives, advocating for a holistic approach to his growth as a player. He argued that true success in rugby league goes beyond scoring tries; it’s about mastering the broader responsibilities of the game. Ultimately, Gould’s perspective is that Fifita has the potential to excel, but he requires a paradigm shift in how he views his role within the sport.