Darren Lockyer, a renowned figure in Queensland rugby league, anticipates that David Fifita will face some playful banter from the Sydney Roosters during their clash on Friday night. Last year, Fifita caused a stir by deciding to reject a four-year contract with the Roosters to remain with the Gold Coast Titans, a move that sparked much speculation.
Although the uncertainty surrounding Fifita’s contract situation seems to have resolved itself, Lockyer expects him to experience a chilly reception from the Roosters. On the Wide World of Sports program QLDER, he stated, “Without a doubt [there will be sledges on the field].”
Fifita’s decision not only affected his own position but also that of Roosters player Angus Crichton. In the end, both players chose to stay with their respective clubs, leading Crichton to return to the field in impressive form, benefiting the Roosters in the process.
The Roosters have had an unpredictable start to their season, beginning with a heavy loss to the Brisbane Broncos. They managed to regroup impressively to defeat the reigning champions, the Panthers, but fell short in their subsequent match against the Warriors. Lockyer notes that teams typically come back stronger after a loss, which could indicate a challenging outing for the Titans.
Lockyer remarked, “Any team coming off a loss is generally more motivated throughout the week to get back to winning ways.” Given their mixed results and the criticism they faced following the loss to the Broncos, Lockyer believes the Roosters will be highly motivated and ready for Friday night’s showdown, suggesting that it will be a tough contest for the Titans. With the Roosters recognised for their resilience, they are expected to present a formidable challenge on home turf.