The Roar has heard reports that Cronulla’s NSW Origin forward Andrew Fifita – who is currently serving a suspension from the NRL – is about to walk away from his NRL contract, to play for Tonga at the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
The Roar spoke with the Sharks this morning, and Andrew and his brother David, also serving a suspension, were both present at training.
When questioned on Triple M on Friday morning, Sharks captain Paul Gallen said that the rumour was new information to him.
“I’d imagine if that was true the club would have something to say about it. If he’s under contract they would want some sort of compensation if they were ever going to let him go,” Gallen said.
The Roar understands that Fifita, who has had a rocky couple of years in the NRL following a number of controversial incidents – including the latest one at a junior rugby league game for which he was publicly castigated and suspended – wants to put himself in the ‘shop window’ to pick up a lucrative rugby contract in Europe.
What better way to do that than to turn out for his native Tonga at the World Cup.
It’s believed that Tonga will play Fifita at 12 and transition him in a similar way to recent NRL converts Ben Te’o and Sam Burgess.
Fifita played rugby as a junior, and also flirted with the idea of a code switch in 2013.
In the end, Fifita had to remain with the Sharks after signing a deal to go to the Canterbury Bulldogs that was eventually torn up.
At the time of the contract being torn up, Fifita said he wished he had taken up the offer to play the 15-man game.
“If I could go back now, I wish I chose rugby and then I wouldn’t be getting all the sh*t I’ve been catching now,” Fifita said early last year.
The Roar has heard reports a deal is currently being worked on. Watch this space for more updates.
Cass
Guest
Wow really, really uninformed comment Aaron. You would quite obviously have no idea how many NRL stars turn out on Saturday mornings. My children have had the Broncos visit their school and have been to local coaching sessions on 6 occasions so far this year. Not one Queensland Red has been spotted in Logan as yet. Oh that's right - there are not as many private schools in Logan are there. Why waste their time here. And then guess what - you can speak with the refs ON THE FIELD but you can't argue with them ever and you really can't threaten them with violence off the field. I hope you are not one of the parents at one of my kids games. Seriously bad comment and judgment. Please by all means do League a favour and take Fafita and good luck trying to appease this spoilt brat.
PNG Bronco fan#88
Guest
Haha..is it really?
Aaron
Guest
Super Rugby is also entertaining..
Karl's
Guest
Go
up up cronulla
Guest
Its all BS rlw mole said its not true as has his management, as i stated earlier just made up by the roar or sportal , the only 2 sites running the story!
nerval
Guest
As ever, I'm with Jay C.
pete bloor
Guest
Okay so you basically lied at the start. Good to see you moral compass north quite frankly if someone with your loose affiliation with the truth dislikes it I've taking it as a positive silver spoon boy
pete bloor
Guest
An insecure code with a silver spoon up his date is still just an insecure code warrior. Enjoy the other 50 weeks a year no one gives a toss about rugby unless their parents money told them otherwise
Jay C
Roar Guru
Good Riddance. Carry on with a ref in RU and see what happens.
BluesMan
Guest
I'd be switching codes in a heart beat if I was Fifita, he's been dealt a very unfair and harsh punishment. I wouldn't even pay the the fine just leave. Like you said here's a guy supporting the grassroots lvl which not many high profile players do these days and they couldn't even be bothered showing him a bit of sympathy. Instead they want to make a big statement out him. From what read most of people who were at the game where the incident took place sided with Fifita even the opposition. They should release the footage the ref took with his phone.
Aaron
Guest
and when refs start filming you then I believe they are no longer just refs anymore..they may be allowed to in a public place under law but Fifita doesn't have to accept it..
Aaron
Guest
I don't know Fifita but not many NRL top players bother turn out for the kiddies footy on a Saturday morning..they'd be at home nursing off a hangover or in bed with their wives of girlfriends..obviously he, his twin brother and his family have passion for the game..and when he goes to union I bet many of his young kin will follow him there..and that's the danger lots of Pacific Island youth are now gravitating towards union..looking at the NRC squads up to a third of some of them are PI players..there was a time not too long ago when there were hardly any PIs playing union in Australia..I think Fifita has been hard done by the NRL..8 week suspension and $30k is too excessive for what is basically just a heated argument with the refs..no rule that says you can't argue with the ref..
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
If true, congrats, Another wasted talent in league and this will strengthen the Tongan forwards that could use a player like him ..he will easily get a contract in france ...
JVGO
Guest
On the money Fifita can be on with the new deal he can go anywhere he wants in the off season anyway without having to take his footy boots. The South of France is ok if you like hanging out with retired Poms but the surf is better at Cronulla.
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
Would his contract with the Sharks will be in play? Despite all his trouble he is there marquee forward after Gallen, who will probably retire after next year. I doubt the Sharks would let him go easily. They might grant him permission to get a short 6-month contract, then come back to the Sharks.
BluesMan
Guest
With you on that, they basically took a flash car away from him lol
Aaron
Guest
true, I bet those wallaby boys would give up an arm for a kangaroo jersey..
Steve
Guest
Apparently there's a fair bit of truth to this. I thought the squad was meant to be released today but they've delayed it. They are having issues with other players as well but it could have something to do with this. The second training camp starts tomorrow so we'll see what happens. All very strange but that's Tongan rugby for you.
Aaron
Guest
I know..but $30k is a lot of money from your wages..I'm just contemplating how I'd feel if $30 gran was extracted from my pay..I'd be hopping mad..esp. if I feel I had good reason to be pissed off at somebody..
pete bloor
Guest
You realise union fine players too?