In a dramatic turn of events for the Gold Coast Titans, captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has come to the defense of star forward David Fifita, dismissing claims that his relationship with coach Des Hasler is "untenable." This comes amid swirling rumors that Fifita has been shopped around to rival clubs following his recent axing from the first grade team.
Fifita, who was once hailed as one of the brightest prospects in the NRL, found himself sidelined after a disappointing performance in the Titans' 50-18 loss to North Queensland. His subsequent request to play on the left edge, a position currently occupied by teammate Beau Fermor, was denied by Hasler, leading to his demotion to reserve grade.
In his first match back with the Ipswich Jets, Fifita faced a tough outing, contributing to a 32-0 loss against Northern Pride. The 25-year-old has been battling complications from an ankle surgery he underwent in the preseason, which has required him to play through significant pain, further complicating his form this season.
As the Titans prepare for their round 10 clash against Newcastle, Fifita has been ruled out due to his ongoing injury issues. Speculation about his future with the club intensified when Code Sports suggested that he may have played his last game for the Titans due to a breakdown in his relationship with Hasler.
However, Fa'asuamaleaui, a close friend of Fifita, has publicly defended him, stating, "Dave was really good last week with all the media talk and a lot of things being said. He turned up with the right attitude and got us ready to play the game on the weekend." This sentiment was echoed by Titans CEO Steve Mitchell, who insisted that Fifita remains a crucial part of the club's future plans.
Mitchell stated, "Dave is an important part of the roster. We expect him to have a big role to play moving forward." Despite the tension surrounding his recent performance and the team's overall struggles, which have seen them lose five consecutive matches, the CEO remains optimistic about Fifita's contributions.
Fifita's contract, which runs until the end of 2026, is valued at around $1 million per season. This lucrative deal has led to speculation about his potential departure, with reports indicating that he is willing to take a pay cut to join a rival club. However, the Titans have not formally granted him permission to negotiate with other teams.
The 2025 season has been particularly challenging for Fifita, who has been benched in four of the six matches he has played. Critics have raised concerns about his commitment and performance during training, but Fa'asuamaleaui has rebuffed those claims, emphasizing that the entire squad shares responsibility for the team's poor form.
Fifita's career trajectory has been complicated by high expectations since his breakout season with the Brisbane Broncos in 2018. His move to the Titans in 2020 made him the highest-paid player in the league at the time, but it has also brought immense pressure. Phil Gould, a prominent figure in the NRL, has criticized the Titans' decision to sign Fifita, labeling it an "irresponsible purchase" that has hindered his development.
Gould stated, "It's hard to explain, I think David Fifita needs to sit down and look at exactly where his career is right at the moment. Everything that's gone before it, you can't change what's gone before it." He added that the financial pressure of a big contract can lead clubs to neglect proper coaching and development for young players.
Fifita's struggles have been compounded by his recent axing from the Titans, where he was seen as a key player. As he prepares to focus on his rehabilitation and performance with the Jets, he expressed his desire to remain with the Titans, saying, "I do want to stay. I am happy at the Titans and I love the club. At the moment, I'm focusing on Ipswich, I want to get a win for them and I want to get back to the NRL."
As the NRL rumor mill buzzes with speculation about his future, the Titans must navigate this turbulent period carefully. With Fifita's potential departure looming, the club's management will need to address both his health and performance to ensure they can retain one of their most talented players.
In the meantime, the Titans face a critical juncture in their season as they look to turn around a disappointing start. With Hasler at the helm, the team must find a way to rally and regain their competitive edge in the league.
As for Fifita, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining his next steps, both on and off the field. The outcome of his relationship with Hasler and the Titans could shape the course of his career as he strives to reclaim his place among the elite forwards in the NRL.
