We can't let the Roosters sign David Fifita

[bradtalo]

Roosters and Rabbitohs battle for boom Bronco David Fifita’s services
NRL PREMIERSHIP

• October 24, 2019 6:49am
• by STAFF WRITERS
• Source: FOX SPORTS

David Fifita is being chased by the Roosters and the Rabbitohs for a move away from Red Hill.Source: Getty Images
Arch rivals the Roosters and the Rabbitohs are locked in a bidding war over the prized signature of boom Broncos forward David Fifita.

The Daily Telegraph revealed the Roosters would use the funds freed up by the retirement of halfback Cooper Cronk to entice the 19-year-old to join the Tri-colours.

The Rabbitohs will free up the required cap space if skipper Sam Burgess is medically retired by the club.


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Rival clubs chasing phenom

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Fifita, who is expected to command as much as $1 million a season, is tracking to have a similar impact on the game as Sonny Bill Williams after starring for the Broncos, Queensland and Australia at the World Cup Nines

The teenager has only played 35 NRL games, but has already played representative football for Queensland, the Prime Minister’s XIII, indigenous All Stars and Australia and will turn out for the Junior Kangaroos against France in Wollongong.

The Roosters and Rabbitohs are among 10 clubs who have expressed an interest for when Fifita can officially begin negotiations with rival clubs on November 1.



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Nick Politis’ influence can’t be underestimated with the billionaire having a proud history of getting the players he wants to come to the club including most recently Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco.

Fifita’s manager Steve Deacon is trying to keep a lid on the hype surrounding his star player.

“There has been enough said about the matter (his contract) at this stage,” Deacon said told the Telegraph.

“He’s got other things to concentrate on at the moment.”

The Rabbitohs are keen to lure Fifita to Redfern if Sam Burgess is forced to retire.Source: Getty Images
The Roosters are reluctant to pay Fifita more than their two highest paid players in Australian and NSW captain Boyd Cordner and champion fullback James Tedesco.

The Roosters will also need to upgrade a number of stars after their second consecutive premiership, including centre Latrell Mitchell and boom hooker Sam Verrills.

Fans will no doubt be distraught that a player of Fifita’s calibre and asking price can fit on the Roosters’ books after two straight titles.

David Fifita starred for Australia in their World Cup Nines win.Source: AAP
However the NRL is satisfied they have the room for 2021 after Fifita’s Broncos deal ends.

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold is desperate to convince Fifita to stay at red Hill.

Brisbane are the only other club that can match the Roosters for third party deals, which puts them in a good position to at least go close to matching the Roosters’ offer.

 

[bradtalo]

Even with third party deals we should easily be able to outbid the Roosters. They already have Tedesco on more than a MIL. Cordner on close to that. They need to upgrade Mitchell and Manu and Verrill's and a few others and Luke Keary in a few years. I really believe Fifita is going to be one of the best possibly THE BEST forward in the game for many years to come (similar to SBW). We need a player just like him more than anyone. Peter Mullholland who I respect as probably the best recruitment manager EVER remember said Fifita was the best young player "HE'D EVER SEEN" and I respect his opinion

 

[The Innovator]

Yes Cooper Cronk’s salary will free up coin but not for Fifita. It’s fake news. Zero chance of going to the Chooks.
Been told that he is likely to stay up north or should he come to Sydney it will be under Wayne Bennett.

 

[bradtalo]

Yes Cooper Cronk’s salary will free up coin but not for Fifita. It’s fake news. Zero chance of going to the Chooks.
Been told that he is likely to stay up north or should he come to Sydney it will be under Wayne Bennett.

I hope you're right. I'd rather him stay at the Broncos if we can't get him or Souths but if the Roosters sign him that's just f..king ridiculous. I hear they're also after Frizell and Cameron Murray. After winning 2 comps other clubs need to be raiding their players not the other way around.

 

[JUNKYARD DOGS]

LOL Cooper Cronks money free's up space for Fifita. They'll lose 2 of either Mitchell,Manu and Radley. And They still will talk they can sign Cam Murray lol. Fuck sake.

 

[Spoonman84]

What a dumb article! The salary cap doesn’t work like that. Cronk’s salary would have never even been factored into the Chooks cap for 2020 it would have been spent months ago.

 

[Wahesh]

What a dumb article! The salary cap doesn’t work like that. Cronk’s salary would have never even been factored into the Chooks cap for 2020 it would have been spent months ago.

Exactly. It's not like he's leaving the club mid-contract, meaning that there never was cash freed-up to begin with.

 

[Dingo]

These two clubs think they own Sydney. One day we will take out the axe and destroy them both.

 

[doggieaaron]

He loves bennett itll be either stay at broncs or souths

 

[BULLDOG 4 LIFE]

Its happening. Just accept it. Roosters always get their man

 

[Wahesh]

These two clubs think they own Sydney. One day we will take out the axe and destroy them both.

Like we did in 2004

Gosh Willie Tonga tore 'em open that year!

 

[Costa84]

This will fucking do me if he ends up a rooster

 

[Mr Shhh]

If the Roosters want him, that’s where he’ll end up.

 

[Costa84]

I'm hearing our main focus is Turbo bros + UK props...

Surely Fifita and Manu over the Turbo bros

 

[_G-Dog_]

If Fifita wants to be mentored by SBW he will go to the Rorter$.. If he wants to be coached by Bennet he will go Souths.. if he wants the best garlic chicken he can come to Belmore..

 

[JUNKYARD DOGS]

I'm hearing our main focus is Turbo bros + UK props...

Surely Fifita and Manu over the Turbo bros

Yeah that's the way id go for sure.
Wouldn't be upset if we landed Manu and Thompson though either. Trbo's will cost way too much and with Tom its a massive risk with injury these days. Reported 2.4mil is ridiculous.

 

[boggie23]

Wasn’t Cronk signed for unders too? like in effect going roosters for his partner instead of money.

so roosters fans say all along he isn’t on huge money. But when he retires it “frees up 1 million dollars lol”.

If roosters haven’t allocated crooks money by now they are a club run poorly

and how Souths can medically retire another player and come out in a better position. Did it with Inglis. Now do it with burgers. And dogs can’t even sign a fringe first grader in raimen lol. And we go for bj instead. Shows the different levels some teams are on. Wish we’d cook the books again.

 

[Howard Moon]

I'd rather see Roosters get him than filthy Souffs

if Roosters don't get him they will get either a player just as good, or three marquee 'depth' players and claim to be paying them peanuts....Souffs threw GI money at James Friggn Roberts


Dogs should throw money at JWH for a two year contract... he is the most dominant player in the competition and in that grand final it was man against boys in that first 30 watching Raiders try to contain him

 

[JackDog]

clickbait. Won't happen. Mum says stay at Broncos.

If he did go, anyone but the Rorters or Souffs. Or the Peptides. Or the Mexicans. Or the Dragqueens. OR the Beagles...

Fuck it, just come to the dogs, Dave

 

[Psycho Doggie]

Fans will no doubt be distraught that a player of Fifita’s calibre and asking price can fit on the Roosters’ books after two straight titles.

Distraught? I can think of a lot of words that could describe what fans would be, and indeed already are, so far as the Roosters roster is concerned, but distraught is not one of them.