Fifita Gone

[Vasco]

Given there was a cooling off period, I'm surprised the club allowed the signing to be made public. This is unusual.

Whether it was leaked or not we'll never know.

[Inflictor]

Do us supporters really give a shit about what our players earn? I know I don’t. I just want us to be successful with a great bunch of players; I’ll leave the management of the club and player salaries to those paid to do it.

So you are ok with Sitili getting $650K over the next few years at possibly the expense of one of our younger players?

One of the reasons for our roster is us not paying overs.

FFS

[RoosterBooster]

Tells you a lot about a man who can’t make the hard call in person to call Politis

Roosters coach Trent Robinson woke on Wednesday morning to the news that his club had withdrawn their offer to their star signing David Fifita.

It was about 5.30am before club chairman Nick Politis was able to contact Robinson to tell him of the events that had unfolded on Tuesday night.

Politis was blindsided by a phone call from Fifita’s management around 10pm informing him there might be an issue with Fifita, who had agreed to a four-year deal with the Roosters last week.

Fifita had been wrestling with his decision and had a change of heart. He wanted to remain at the Titans and had been in talks with his club about doing so.

The Titans were within their rights to continue speaking to Fifita under the NRL’s 10-day cooling off period. Coach Des Hasler had been working overtime to convince Fifita to change his mind.

Hasler is one of the game’s quirkiest coaches, but he can also be one of its most convincing. Fifita’s teammates were also leaning on the star back rower.



FIFITA DROPS ‘GOOD AND BAD NEWS’

Politis had a sense of what was about to unfold on Tuesday night and even though he was unable to reach Robinson, he immediately withdrew the club’s offer to Fifita when he was told that the barnstorming back rower was having second thoughts.



The words of Fifita was still ringing in his ears from last week. When Fifita signed for the Roosters he told Politis that he was calling with ‘good and bad news’. The answer was the same to both bits of information - that he was now a Rooster.

Fifita had quickly developed cold feet. The Roosters knew that last thing they needed was for him to arrive at the club doubting his move. Politis decided it was better to cut the cord now than deal with an unhappy player during the course of next season – not giving Fifita a chance to change his mind again.


FIFITA YET TO CONTACT ROOSTERS

It is understood Fifita is yet to reach out to the Roosters to explain his decision. Instead, it was left to his management, who were understood to be as equally as surprised by their client’s decision, to relay the news to Politis.

Needless to say it came as a shock. Politis had already made plans to catch up with Fifita on Sunday with the Roosters and Titans Magic Round matches taking place on Saturday.

Fifita, his mum Gwen and Fifita’s partner Shaylee Bent had been invited to share a meal with Politis on Sunday. That is naturally off the table.

The Roosters had also made plans to sign Bent to their NRLW side with Bent having spoken with Roosters NRLW coach John Strange as recently as Monday regarding a potential positional switch from the forwards to the backs.

The Roosters had also made plans to sign Bent to their NRLW side with Bent having spoken with Roosters NRLW coach John Strange as recently as this week.

It is unclear if that deal will now go ahead with the Titans hopeful of keeping Bent.

[The Marshall]

Still don’t think it’s worth keeping sitili on that money for that long
$650k is way to much for a res grader / depth

Agree 100%

[Waylander]

For the record, I don't believe it has anything to do with the 10 day cooling off period. That applies to signed contracts before they are lodged (and accepted) by the NRL. This situation appears to be that Fifita indicated to all parties that he INTENDED to sign a contract with us, but had not yet put pen to paper. You may notice the wording of the Roosters statement is that the Roosters have now "WITHDRAWN THEIR OFFER", not that the contract has been cancelled.

[Kelby]

Mate, can you really blame Angus ? - They went out (at the time) and went after a player and looked at him as a replacement option and on slightly more money. Also, it sounds like Robbo/The Club Recruitment and Retention Team were in discussions with Angus's manager/management but they decided to hold off direct talks with Angus till after magic round (this weekend). I think NRL 360 mentioned this last night, which sounds absolutely dumb and I don't know how there is a disconnect between the club + coach + player (his management) especially with the Roosters being a smart and savvy club when it comes to this sort of business.


To be honest - I think there's a bit of drama and spice shown by Angus ... I think it's just a bit of an act to stir up the media and fans.

I'm not sure.

This time last year he was playing like shit, had his drug issues and stated he wanted to try out union. On top that, he was (is) one of our highest paid and experienced players in the club.

His output was average. The club (as it should) looked at the bigger picture and realised we needed a strike edge forward.

Now he has strung together a few great games and has the demanded the club treats him as their biggest priority!

We lose Fifita and may end with Angus version 2023 next year and we struggle.


Sit still / Egan are just collateral damage unfortunately.

[JAF]

WTF just happened? I’m still trying to digest the news on Fifita …

Just not meant to be but his character is now shot to pieces in my eyes.

Anyway, need to move on and see which other players wish to join (or stay at) our great Club and for the right reasons

[Kelby]

And let’s add Morgan Harper and Adam doueihi while we’re at it

Adam for 150k worth a punt?

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

Do us supporters really give a shit about what our players earn? I know I don’t. I just want us to be successful with a great bunch of players; I’ll leave the management of the club and player salaries to those paid to do it.

Exactly. People sometimes make out like the $$$ are coming out of their own pockets.

[theGman]

He and his Manager have done a Mitchell Moses on us - shameful and unethical.

Good luck winning a title you dope.
Mitchell is still waiting and waiting and waiting......

[ism22]

Given there was a cooling off period, I'm surprised the club allowed the signing to be made public. This is unusual.

Whether it was leaked or not we'll never know.

Yeah I dunno how Chammis got the details and why we then confirmed during a presser. Meh!

Guessing the Titans have now thrown every last dollar at a guy the know didn't wanna stay. Is that REALLY where they wanna be at? I dunno.

S*x but our squad's still awesome. Hope this solidified Gussie's position.

[Bates]

Adam for 150k worth a punt?

Train and trail?

What are ESL halves earning these days?

[ChookMaster]

Our recruitment needs a serious looking at. Apparently we are now “ relieved “ that it has come to a head as we always held doubts over him changing his mind later down the track. OKAY IF WE HAVE DOUBTS OF OUR OWN WHY ARE WE CHASING THIS GUY?? Jesus Christ


Come on Roosters…

[bondi paul]

Just another day in the 189 day season of fuelled tabloid drama by the NRL / Media partnership.

[RoosterFanNZ]

He and his Manager have done a Mitchell Moses on us - shameful and unethical.

Good luck winning a title you dope.
Mitchell is still waiting and waiting and waiting......

From the article chook master posted seems his management was blindsided as well.