In a recent match against Canterbury, Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler faced scrutiny for his decision to keep star forward David Fifita on the bench for the entire first half. As the Titans went into the break trailing 22-12, Fifita’s absence became a topic of discussion among fans and commentators, particularly as he is a player known for his prowess on the field.
When Fifita eventually entered the game, he made a notable contribution with nine runs for 73 metres, as well as a tackle break and two offloads; however, it was too little too late as the Titans succumbed to a 40-24 defeat. The decision to limit his playtime drew criticism from league legend Steve Roach, who questioned Hasler’s timing in bringing him onto the field, suggesting that immediate action was necessary given the unfolding circumstances of the game.
In the post-match press conference, Hasler offered a vague explanation for his strategy, hinting that fitness levels were a consideration in his decision-making process. He stated, “It was just a matter of getting him into the game, with the interchange,” and acknowledged that while Fifita did provide some impact, playing from behind made it harder to integrate him effectively into the game strategy. Hasler also noted that Fifita was returning from a disrupted off-season, implying that his performance would improve with more game time.
This situation comes on the heels of Gold Coast’s decision to re-sign Fifita on a lucrative $1 million deal despite a prior rejection of an offer from the Roosters. Critics are likely to revisit this decision if Hasler continues to utilise Fifita minimally, especially in matches where they are already behind.
Moreover, Hasler highlighted his frustration with the Titans beginning their season after having a bye in round one, noting how many games had already been played by the time his team took to the field. He expressed his disappointment regarding the delay, but clarified that he was not using it as an excuse for the loss.
Overall, Hasler’s strategic choices, particularly surrounding Fifita’s utilisation, are under intense scrutiny as the season progresses, and the coach will need to navigate these criticisms while also addressing the Titans’ on-field performance.