The Gold Coast Titans have confirmed David Fifita has been granted an early release from the final year of his contract.
This paves the way for the star forward to join South Sydney on a multi-year deal.
Fifita joined the Titans in 2021 and made 90 appearances for the club, but only featured in eight games this season due to ongoing ankle issues.
New Titans coach Josh Hannay said the club fully supported the 25-year-old’s decision to seek a fresh start.
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Fresh start under Wayne Bennett
“The club wants to see David happy and playing football and a new opportunity will give him a chance to do that,” Hannay said.
“The entire club wish him well moving forward.”
According to Code Sports, Fifita is set to finalise a move to the Rabbitohs in the coming days, where he will reunite with master coach Wayne Bennett.
The deal is expected to be worth around $1 million per season, with the Titans reportedly still contributing $500,000 of his 2026 and 2027 salary.
Titans look to future signings
Gold Coast officials are now expected to redirect their freed-up cap space towards securing long-term extensions for Jayden Campbell, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and rising star Cooper Bai.
Fifita, who famously backflipped on a move to the Roosters to stay on the Coast, struggled for form and consistency under former coach Des Hasler this year, with injuries hampering his impact.
Transfer domino effect begins
Fifita’s move to Redfern has sparked a chain reaction across multiple clubs.
South Sydney middle forward Davvy Moale is expected to be granted an early release to join the Sea Eagles in 2026, two years earlier than his existing deal.
His arrival at Manly will likely see veteran Nathan Brown shift to the Wests Tigers, who are looking to bolster their forward pack with experience and toughness.