Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell has explained how star player David Fifita had a change of heart and opted to remain at the club rather than take up a deal with the Sydney Roosters.
The Titans announced on Wednesday morning that Fifita decided to trigger his player option and will stay at the Gold Coast until the end of 2026.
The Roosters subsequently released their own statement in which they announced a withdrawal of their contract offer.
Mitchell said Fifita’s decision to stay was largely due to his desire to remain close to his family in Queensland.
“What this young man will develop into over the coming seasons is really exciting for this club and organisation,” Mitchell told SENQ.
“Central to David’s decision was his trade, the environment he’s enjoying and his family.
“He’s a community based man and his mother and grandmother come to almost every (home) game.
“He has strong ties here (at the Gold Coast) and the sum to all those parts for Dave was that he loves the direction of the club.
“He wants to represent Queensland (and) he is very much a family man and he is entrenched in the community.
“Staying here is a really good thing for the development his career and staying close to things that are dear to him which is his family.
“That’s important to every human being.”
The NRL allows a 10-day ‘cooling off’ period which allows players to change their decision after signing a contract with a club.
Mitchell said Fifita spoke to his family and coach Des Hasler during that time which led the 24-year-old to ultimately stick with the Gold Coast.
“Like all people, he has been processing the options and decisions that sat in front of him,” Mitchell added.
“We had a chat with him yesterday to see where he was at.
“He’s had a week back at training and then had a conversation with his family and he’s got a good relationship with the coach.
“It’s been a healthy process.”
Fifita will line up for the Titans in Magic Round when Gold Coast play the Newcastle Knights on Saturday.