Fifita’s Rabbitohs Debut: A Roosters Reunion with Added Spice
David Fifita’s arrival at the South Sydney Rabbitohs has been a topic of much discussion, and the veteran coach Wayne Bennett, known for his astute observations, seemed to anticipate the line of questioning. When asked about Fifita’s early days at the club, Bennett playfully feigned ignorance, remarking, “What’s taken you so long? He’s been at the club five months. Haven’t we talked about him before?”
However, the sentiment is certainly mutual a few kilometres away at the Sydney Roosters’ headquarters. Fifita’s name has been a recurring subject this week, especially given the dramatic turn of events that saw him linked with the Bondi club.
The Roosters’ Near Miss
Back in May 2024, Fifita reportedly made a significant phone call to Roosters chairman Nick Politis. The conversation was said to be a declaration of intent: “I’m coming,” Fifita allegedly told Politis, signalling the crystallisation of a potential four-year, $3.3 million transfer from the Gold Coast Titans to the Roosters, set to commence in 2025.
But this burgeoning deal took an abrupt and unexpected turn. Just six days after this pivotal conversation, the Roosters issued a surprise early morning press release, announcing their withdrawal from the offer. The club hierarchy reportedly felt unsettled by whispers that Fifita might have been experiencing second thoughts or “getting cold feet,” and perceived his apparent wavering as a sign of disrespect.
While Fifita has since faced the Roosters while playing for the Titans, Friday night’s clash at Allianz Stadium sees him donning the iconic Rabbitohs jersey. This encounter promises to be an extra-special chapter in the game’s most storied rivalry, laden with the considerable baggage Fifita carries into the match. It marks the first time he will confront the club that believed it had secured his signature, only to see the deal spectacularly collapse, and now faces him as an opponent representing a fierce rival.
Fifita’s Focus on Fitness and Form
Now 26 years old, David Fifita is currently off-limits to the media. He has embarked on a two-year contract with South Sydney, having been granted an early release from the Titans. His debut for the Rabbitohs in their commanding 40-30 victory over the Dolphins showcased his potential. In that outing, he contributed significantly, setting up a try, running for an impressive 171 metres from 20 carries, and breaking three tackles in his 71 minutes on the field.
A testament to his commitment, Fifita commenced pre-season training earlier than most of his new teammates in November, diligently attending every session. A primary focus for him has been conditioning, with the powerful forward determined to strengthen his historically troublesome ankle. This issue had unfortunately limited him to just eight appearances for the Titans in the previous year.
The intensity of his dedication was evident during a summer beach wrestling session, where a robust encounter with teammate Latrell Mitchell left Fifita sporting a scar on his head – a visible reminder of the commitment and physical demands of his new environment.
Bennett’s Belief and Fifita’s Fresh Start
Once a dominant force in State of Origin, Fifita’s impact at the Titans had waned somewhat. However, Wayne Bennett remains a staunch advocate, adamant that the player’s best football is yet to be unleashed.
“He didn’t look too bad,” Bennett commented on Fifita’s debut performance. “It’s game one of a career [here] I hope. He lost six to seven kilograms so that the process is already happening. It’s now just week after week, turning up and doing a good job playing his game and getting his confidence out of that.”
The magnetic pull of playing under the tutelage of Wayne Bennett continues to be a significant draw for players across the NRL. Fifita’s own journey began under the master coach’s guidance when he made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2018. The Rabbitohs are also set to welcome another Broncos powerhouse, Payne Haas, to their roster next year, further strengthening their forward pack.
The transition to Sydney’s south-eastern suburbs, with Fifita now residing in Maroubra, has also provided a welcome change of scenery. This area is one that Bennett and teammate Jack Wighton have come to appreciate.
On match days, Fifita opts for a caramel latte – a beverage that, perhaps ironically, might be considered more “Rooster” than “Rabbitoh” in terms of typical pre-game rituals.
A Rivalry Renewed
While the Roosters may find some private consolation in the fact that the Fifita deal ultimately fell through, particularly given his inconsistent form in recent times, a dominant performance from him on Friday night could serve as a poignant reminder of what might have been. This match also holds the potential for individual brilliance, with Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston on the cusp of breaking Ken Irvine’s all-time Australian top-flight try-scoring record. Should Fifita significantly influence the game’s outcome, it would undoubtedly add a layer of bittersweet irony for the Roosters.
Souths skipper Cam Murray highlighted Fifita’s impact: “He brings a big physical presence with the ball. It takes a lot of energy and effort to get him down. He attracts a lot of defenders and is so dangerous in open space. It’s nice to have someone in your side like that who can bend the line as much as he does. He’s bought into what we’re doing, he’s happy here and wants to continue to the direction we’re going.”
