Fifita Gone

[ChookMaster]

That's not how I read it. The way I interpreted the article was that he agreed to terms and then the Roosters heard he was having second thoughts, not that they knew he was having second thoughts when they signed him. I agree with them when they sat it's better that it turned iout this way then the club having to deal with an unhappy player this time next season/

Yes true however Holbrook being concerned about the deal should’ve come to fruition you’d think? The bloke coached him.

Fifita dabbled with the raiders for a while there last season remember? Under Holbrook before ultimately deciding to remain with the Tits.

That article also stated that he felt pressured throughout this whole thing. Never was comfortable with the decision of coming to us… apparently even was tossing Penrith again… after he signed with us before deciding to stay at home.


HMMM.

[DP1990]

I initially read that as Holbrook dog shots Joel Monaghan…….I wouldn’t recommend it; it got poor Joel in a bit of strife!

Hahahaha .... was bored on an All Staff meeting held online using Microsoft Teams (so I came on the Chookpen and thought what else can I do to add some dramatic flare to this)

[zac]

don't know what role gus's comments had on the change of heart. players don't want to come to a club where they don't feel welcome. this is not good news but we'll kick on. sitili is signed and won't be given permission to leave if we want him to stay. hope gus re-signs for a fair amount

[zac]

the best thing about this is that if it hadn't happened you'd figure fifita would be playing for the panthers next year

[King Salvo]

This came into affect from November 1 2023 - This gives incumbent clubs two bites of the cherry so to speak in negotiating with players

The NRL is set to implement a controversial “backflip” clause that will turn the player market on its head from next season, handing power to agents and opening the door for players to renege on contracts.

The Herald has obtained the NRL’s salary cap and contracting model document sent to all clubs and player agents over the past week.

The most significant change – which will come into effect from November 1 2023 – is the “last right of negotiation” clause added into the agreement that will give incumbent clubs a 10-day period to convince a player not to join a rival club.

The document states that “every player must provide his incumbent club with a last right of negotiation for a 10-day period from the date of notice that the player has received an offer from a rival Club, and that offer has been submitted to the NRL, that he is prepared to accept.”

Under the NRL’s new rules, the incumbent club will be told when a player is willing to accept an offer elsewhere.

They won’t be told the terms of the deal with the rival club, but will then have 10 days to convince the player not to accept the rival offer.


NRL documentation: Last Right of Negotiation clause


Every player must provide his incumbent Club with a last right of negotiation for a 10-day period from the date of notice that the player has received an offer from a rival Club, and that offer has been submitted to the NRL, that he is prepared to accept. In order to give effect to this clause:

• a) the player must provide notice to his incumbent Club that he has an offer that he will accept in 10 days’ time (subject to negotiations with his incumbent Club);
• b) the Club can then engage in contract negotiations with the player for a period of up to 10 days, or the Club may waive its rights in writing (at which point the player is free to sign with the rival Club);
• c) the offer from the rival NRL Club must be an official offer and submitted to the NRL Salary Cap Auditor (the contents of which will remain confidential, but the NRL Salary Cap Auditor can provide verification to the incumbent Club that an official offer has been received). The offer must remain open for acceptance for a minimum of 14 days, and for at least 48 hours beyond the expiry of the 10-day negotiation period with the incumbent Club. There is no requirement for the player to disclose the terms of the offer to his incumbent Club;
• d) at the expiry of the 10 days, the player may sign (or reject) the offer from the rival Club.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/the...12-p5e44j.html

[King Salvo]

Gus Gould Nails it

EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould claims Roosters 'dodged a bullet' after shock David Fifita backflip

"Personally, I think the Roosters have dodged a bullet," he said on Wide World Of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus.

"I don't think he was going to suit them and I found it a strange signing for them - I'll stand by that.

"I'm not saying I don't think David Fifita is a good player. He is a powerful ball-runner, he's obviously an impact player and he can certainly win games for you.

"I couldn't see him, from what I've seen of his career, fitting into their work ethic … I don't understand it. I just haven't seen it in his career to date."

And according to Gould - who previously coached the Tricolours - the defensive issues in Fifita's game wouldn't have suited the Sydney-based club.

"He doesn't value it - he likes to play when they've got the ball, but he's not so keen on it when they haven't got the ball," Gould said.

"He's not what I would call a work ethic player, he is a powerful ball-runner. It's like under 7s stuff - even on the weekend watching him defensively, he would have a lot of work to do to fit into the Roosters club that prides itself on fitness, work ethic and defence.

"He didn't strike me as a Roosters player."

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-20...8-e45bd89e53d7

[Bondicigar]

I'd take Gus any day.
thanks Dave

[ConGa]

don't care much if we missed out on Fifita but this mess left an awkward situation for the club with Angus & Stitili

[nayfo]

I don’t understand why everyone keeps saying we’ve upset Angus after signing Fifita.

Isnt he the same bloke who has stated he is thinking about going to union next year and when asked can’t give a definitive answer? So the Roosters go and sign a replacement in case he does leave (which has been widely reported that it’s likely) and all of a sudden it’s the Roosters issue.

The Roosters stood by him last year, supported him when he was out with mental health issues and have openly said they would be happy for him to stay. What were they meant to do, wait until he signs with union and miss an opportunity to sign a player like Fifita.

Angus should be begging us to stay.

[Johnny73]

Going on what Dean Ritchie just said on 360, David Fifita has no honour and no moral core.

[Inflictor]

Where can I buy tickets to the Coach's Media conference tomorrow or are they all sold out?

[Bert Corverlay]

I’m so glad we dodged the bullet with this lazy chump. Took the lazy option to leave the Broncos to go and play in God’s waiting room. His heart would never have been in Easts and would’ve been unable to keep up with our club work ethic. We have avoided a “transit lounge” signing.

[ism22]

don't care much if we missed out on Fifita but this mess left an awkward situation for the club with Angus & Stitili

This is what I like about Politis... he is ALL about business and loyalty. You're never half way in and half way out with him.

Fifita felt pressured? Well no shyte!!! We have our own budget and retention plan to manage. Sorry that we haven't put our entire retention plan on hold, upsetting loyal players in the process just to appease one POSSIBLE signing.

I like the message that things like this and 'Trell's dumping sends. If you sign the dotted line unconditionally then you're part of the family and we'll look after you for life. If you fark us around then the conversation is over.

Fifita's a great player and we'd all love to have him but NOBODY is bigger than the club!

[The Marshall]

Sitili has been very good for us, but has had a string of tough injuries in the last two years. After yet another head knock earlier in the year, his form has been well down since his return, no question. He’s a quality player and he can get back to his best; you don’t just become crap overnight. Remember last year on return from an ACL…….he was killing it in the middle. Look at Angus, who has had his ups and downs; he’s riding the crest of a “form wave” right now and he’s now a must re-sign player. Look at Luke Keary; his form went backwards after an ACL and head knocks, but it’s returned big time over the last few weeks. Look at Teddy, who was dreadful for parts of last year; he’s bounced back. Manu was down much of last year; he came back.

In terms of us not paying overs, it could be argued that over the last two years there’s been a few in our squad that have been paid overs for the amount of output. Suaalii, Keary, Manu, Teddy, Brandon Smith to name a few. Funnily enough, most of them are playing great footy now. Also, I’m not sure I see too many young back rowers that we are shedding to retain Sitili.

My point is Sitili’s form will return and when it does, will people be questioning his salary? If he’s truly on $650k (which I doubt), well done to him and his management for outsmarting the Roosters.

Let’s hope stili finds his form as it’s been like catching fog

[rented tracksuit]

Going on what Dean Ritchie just said on 360, David Fifita has no honour and no moral core.

We didn’t need Dean Ritchie to tell us that.