Andrew Fifita was “emotionally wrecked” leading into the grand final with the threat of expulsion from the NRL hanging over the Cronulla prop.
Revelations of Fifita’s support of convicted one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge, a childhood friend, sparked an on-going investigation by the NRL integrity unit in September.
But, according to grand final hero’s representatives, his treatment by the league officials left him reeling in the weeks before into the Sharks’ historic premiership victory.
“They have thrown him under a bus, put it in reverse and then gone over him again,” his management company I.Am.Global told Fairfax Media in a statement.
“Leading into the grand final, Andrew was not in a good head space.
“He was told his contract could be ripped up, was panicking and went into a bit of depression.
“It didn’t show because he played so well, but he was emotionally wrecked up until the grand final.”
The Cronulla powerhouse was excluded from the Kangaroos’ Four Nations squad due to his off-field issues.
He was also snubbed for the Clive Churchill medal despite starring in the grand final with a match-winning try.
Had he won the prestigious award, he would have given it to his “biggest inspiration,” now-retired Sharks captain Michael Ennis, according to Fifita’s management.
His management also accused officials of failing to meet with Fifita when he reached out to the NRL, and he was disappointed Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant called for him to start “behaving like an adult.”
But he wants “closure” over the saga.
The 27-year-old prop forward reportedly considered offers to play in either the English Super League or French rugby next year, but that was a worst-case scenario.
“He has never wanted to leave rugby league or Cronulla,” the statement said.
“It was only that it appeared his contract would be ripped up that he had to consider plan B. It had nothing to do with the Clive Churchill medal or his omission from the Kangaroos squad.
“We have had to consider other things, but only in case he loses his registration. If that doesn’t happen, he isn’t going anywhere.”
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
He doesn't even have to lay low. He just has to stop doing stupid things and reacting to bad news/critiques in stupid ways. What do his management team actually do because so far it just looks like they give interviews about how everyone's throwing him under various vehicles?
Tom G
Guest
I know how he feels ...I get depressed every time I see his stupid name
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Another glaring case of double standards, not only in the NRL but in the broader community.
up up cronulla
Guest
But mal meninga's support of his brother who bashed a woman to death is cool!!!
Andrew
Guest
Andrew Fifita feels depressed and emotionally wrecked. Rightly so after the community has turned on him after supporting Kieran Loveridge. Geez, spare a thought for Thomas Kelly's family and get your player manager to provide some better advice for publicity.
Chook
Guest
The moral majority has spoken....blah, blah , blahhhhhhhh
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Who the hell cares.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah, I agree with this. Fifita's best course of action is to lay low for a while and let it blow over. You have to wonder at the quality of advice he's getting.
Brendan
Guest
Only for the Sharks to turn around and offer him a huge contract He would have to be one of the dumbest players around
Brendon
Guest
I...I'm shocked... Surely Fifita and his management team know to just shut up and lay low for a few weeks. Why keep screaming for attention? It screams poor form. Just leave it alone, people will move on and forget it, and you can get on with your life...
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
He did get a bulldogs contract torn up...
Brendan
Guest
He is one of the biggest dopes playing the game. He earns a massive amount playing a game yet sooks and cries and carries on. He abused a junior ref and supports a killer in the public arena. Hes lucky he didnt have his contract torn up
Jeremy
Guest
If he put some thought into his own actions he would not have been "thrown under a bus"... He has only himself to blame for his treatment..