‘Tough call': Reason behind Fifita axing revealed... and how it could lead Titans to a star halfback
The Daily Telegraph journalists Phil Rothfield and Brent Read dropped the news during Monday night's episode of NRL360 that Fifita was dropped to Queensland Cup last weekend after requesting to start on the left edge.
At the moment, Beau Fermor is lighting it up for the Titans as the left edge back rower, so Hasler denied Fifita's request with backing from key players.
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'Apparently he went to coach Des Hasler last week and said he wanted to play on the left edge,' Rothfield revealed.
'Des backed Beau Fermor, who I think has been their best forward this year. Des told Fifita if he wanted to play left edge, go play for Ipswich in the Q Cup.
'I like it. Fifita is on big bucks but has been underdelivering for a long period of time, had the opportunity to go to the Roosters or Penrith next year, but Des isn't copping it anymore. Tough call.'
Fifita had a chance to light the world on fire against inferior opposition and earn his spot back, but failed to do so, only recording 58 metres from nine hit ups for Ipswich against the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup.
The Titans have lost five in a row, so they can't afford players like Fifita toiling away in reserve grade.
There is plenty of pressure on the Titans, with Hasler unable to so far turn the club around despite coaching a team loaded with talent.
Given this, and the fact Fifita has been quite inconsistent at NRL level in 2025, Read opined that one of them won't be at the club when this season ends.
'I don't think one of them will be there at the end of the year. Des or Dave,' Read said.
With the Titans playing group reportedly backing Hasler's decision, it seems that Gold Coast players are fed up with Fifita.
An extremely talented forward who has starred for Queensland, Fifita just hasn't been able to recapture his best form in 2025 and is too often too quiet for someone of his ability.
According to Rothfield, Fifita's inconsistency has perturbed Titans skipper Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
'We know that Tino is such a club-first player. Do you hear whispers that he's frustrated with the lack of input from Fifita?' Rothfield said.
'I'm not tipping Tino in here but it's just something I'm hear.'
Being on $1 million a season, it's unlikely a rival club takes Fifita's gaudy contract off the Titans' hands.
However, Read believes that even if the Titans pay a chunk of the deal to let the forward sign elsewhere, that would still leave significant money to sign a much-needed playmaker, even throwing a potential target out there.
'Someone would sign him,' Read said.
'The Gold Coast would have to chip in a fair bit of money but it frees $700,000 for them, that's a lot of money to get a halfback with.
'With a free $700k, go buy Adam Reynolds. Get Adam Reynolds for one year to lead that team around the park.'
Reynolds reportedly wants to stay with Brisbane beyond this season but according to his agent, won't take a massive haircut to stay.
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