In-demand David Fifita's NRL stocks rise

Tuesday, 22 October 2019:

DAVID FIFITA of the Broncos is tackled during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
DAVID FIFITA of the Broncos is tackled during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.


David Fifita isn't afraid to consider life on the south coast of NSW.

Truth is, the Brisbane forward is among a cluster of NRL stars who'll have plenty of thinking to do when they enter the final year of their contracts next week.

Already considered worth $1 million a season, Fifita can begin officially fielding offers from rival clubs on November 1.

And his price tag received another boost after being named skipper of the Junior Kangaroos to play France in Wollongong on Friday.

"Wollongong's a nice place. Relaxed vibes, chilled out vibes here," Fifita said on Tuesday when asked if he could live in Sydney.

But while St George Illawarra have yet to be spoken about as a possible destination, the 19-year-old has already been linked with South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs could have some cash to splash following speculation captain Sam Burgess could be forced into retirement due to a shoulder issue.

That could pave the way for Fifita, who has previously spoken about modelling his game on Burgess, to reunite with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.

The pair caught up during last week's World Cup Nines at Parramatta.

"Wayne, he's my first coach ... a really good coach for me and my family," Fifita said.

"He helped me become the person I am. He really played a massive part in my career, my first pre-season.

"We had good, tough conversations to get me to where I am."

The Broncos' salary cap issues have been well-documented. .

They re-signed Matt Lodge and Tevita Pangai Jnr on lucrative deals earlier this year, while Corey Oates and Alex Glenn remain off-contract.

Questions also continue to persist around the future of captain of Darius Boyd, who has two years remaining on his deal, and injury-plagued back Jack Bird.

Fifita said he was in no rush to finalise negotiations with the club.

"To be honest, I'll just be chilling and trying to play my game. I let my manager do all the talking," he said.

The powerhouse second-rower has another opportunity to raise his value should he get selected to travel with the Kangaroos to Auckland next week.

Australia coach Mal Meninga has suggested adding two players to the 19-man squad he has for Friday's Test against New Zealand.

"That's my main job, to play good footy on Friday and whatever happens, happens," Fifita said.






AAP






Check out our FREE full form, ratings for meetings in nine countries each and every day.