Titans strike forward David Fifita has been linked with a move from the Gold Coast for several months, but there is finally a resolution to what has been a shaky relationship between player and club over the past year.
Despite having two years left on his contract, reports had previously suggested the Titans were open to letting Fifita leave, with the star forward long rumoured to be eyeing a move to Sydney.
It has now been revealed that the South Sydney Rabbitohs are close to finalising a multi-year deal that would see Fifita join the club ahead of the 2026 season, according to The Daily Telegraph.
In a stunning development, it’s reported the Titans have agreed in principle to pay around $500,000 of Fifita’s salary in both 2026 and 2027 to help facilitate the move.
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That is a heavy price for the Titans to absorb given Fifita’s potential, having been one of the club’s best players for several seasons prior to 2025, when he spent much of the year injured or coming off the bench.
It appears the Titans see little alternative, with the representative back-rower earning north of $1 million per season and the Rabbitohs needing to shed players to take on even half of his deal.
It’s widely tipped that the move of Rabbitohs forward Davvy Moale to Manly could be fast-tracked to free up salary cap space and a roster spot for Fifita, a move now viewed as both likely and essential for Souths to complete the signing.
For the Titans, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but the money freed up by Fifita’s departure would allow the club to prioritise key re-signings — including livewire halfback Jayden Campbell, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2025.
For South Sydney, this could be the piece of good fortune they’ve been waiting for after a disastrous 2025 campaign that saw them ravaged by injuries more than any other club.
The Rabbitohs’ forward pack has been crying out for reinforcement following the continued loss of middle forwards and back-to-back injury setbacks to captain Cameron Murray.
The addition of Fifita would give South Sydney one of the most dangerous packs in the NRL, alongside a fit Murray, star forward Keaon Koloamatangi, and rising young back-rower Tallis Duncan.
It would also hand Wayne Bennett another high-profile reclamation project, with the veteran coach renowned for getting the best out of his players and reviving careers that had lost their spark.
There’s little doubt Fifita’s motivation for the move is heavily tied to Bennett’s mentorship as he looks to rediscover his best form and reclaim his Queensland Origin jumper.
Fifita’s talent has never been in question, and with a change of scenery under one of rugby league’s greatest coaches, it would be brave to bet against him bouncing back in 2026.
Reports suggest the deal could be made official within days, and for all parties involved, the move can’t come soon enough.