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Andrew Fifita threatens to quit NRL

5th October, 2016
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Andrew Fifita's latest dummy spit could see him leave the NRL
Roar Guru
5th October, 2016
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Cronulla Sharks grand final hero Andrew Fifita has threatened to quit the NRL after being deemed ineligible for the Kangaroos.

After a huge season on the field, Fifita was arguably the competition’s form prop. He has averaged 160m per match and scored the crucial try in the Sharks 49-year drought-breaking title victory over the Melbourne Storm.

Fifita was not considered for Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos touring squad, primarily due to the controversy surrounding his support of convicted one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge.

At the squad announcement press conference NRL CEO Todd Greenberg opinioned that while Fifita was a very talented player on the field, his off the field exploits need to be fixed.

“We believe that to wear the Australian jersey, the most prestigious jersey in our game, you should have to distinguish yourself both on and off the field,” Greenberg said.

“As you know Andrew is currently being investigated by the Integrity Unit after wearing an arm band supporting someone convicted of a criminal offence. While that may not be illegal, it was in poor taste to the extreme.”

Greenberg pointed out Fifita’s past off-field indiscretions, including his suspension for abusing a match official at a junior rugby league game, were also considered in the decision to leave him out of the Kangaroos squad.

The last 18 months have been extremely turbulent for the 27-year-old. Last season he was banned for six NRL matches and fined $30,000 for abusing a junior rugby league referee.

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According to Fairfax Media, the Sharks prop has spoken with his management about leaving the NRL. Fifita still has two seasons left to run on his contract and is a NSW State of Origin incumbent.

Fifita has previously attracted interest from rugby union, and his brother David is presently plying his trade in the English Super League with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Cronulla is yet to release an official statement regarding Fifita’s threats, but it is believed they are hoping the threat is an empty one. Fifita has made similar comments in the past.

Fifita’s manager Ben Johnston has made no comment on whether Fifita is attempting to gain a release from his contract.

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