Star forward David Fifita has all but played his final game for the Gold Coast Titans, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs closing in on a deal worth around $1 million to bring the powerhouse second-rower to Redfern.
Both clubs are in the final stages of paperwork to finalise Fifita’s release, with the Titans expected to contribute $500,000 towards his contract over the next two seasons.
The move would see Fifita reunite with legendary coach Wayne Bennett, who has been in direct talks with the former Origin and Test backrower.
The only delay in officially confirming the transfer lies within the Rabbitohs’ tight top-30 roster.
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Although both the Titans and Rabbitohs are comfortable with the NRL salary cap implications, South Sydney cannot formally announce the signing until a top-30 roster spot becomes available.
The recent release of English halfback Lewis Dodd, who was originally signed until 2026, wasn’t enough to free a place.
Rookie forward Thomas Fletcher was immediately promoted into the top-30, keeping the Bunnies at capacity.
Interestingly, Manly Sea Eagles now hold the key to unlocking Fifita’s move to Sydney.
Manly recently signed Rabbitohs forward Davvy Moale on a deal starting in 2027.
However, according to CODE Sports, they are eager to bring him to Brookvale as early as next season.
For that to happen and subsequently trigger Fifita’s move to the Rabbitohs, the Sea Eagles must first free up a roster spot of their own.
Currently, Manly have no available top-30 positions and are exploring options to open one up.
They decided against releasing utility Aaron Schoupp despite the ACL injury.
The Titans’ upcoming player movement spree won’t stop with Fifita.
The club has already released prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, while winger Phillip Sami and speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira are both in discussions with the St. George Illawarra Dragons and New Zealand Warriors, respectively.
With all signs pointing toward a major roster reshuffle across the NRL, David Fifita’s move to the Rabbitohs could soon become one of the biggest transfers of the off-season.