The announcement of David Fifita’s move to the Panthers is reportedly “imminent” — but there’s question marks over how his arrival could impact the squad.
Fifita’s future has dominated the headlines over the last 48 hours ever since news broke that he had a shock meeting with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
The 24-year-old has a two-year option in his favour in his Titans contract but has until this Thursday to take that up.
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The Titans are hopeful of retaining Fifita, as are the Roosters, who entered the race for his signature on Monday night.
But as News Corp journalist Brent Read reported on NRL 360 on Tuesday, the Panthers have “got their nose well and truly in front” and “even the Roosters and Titans acknowledge that they’re fighting an uphill battle.”
“I think it’s imminent… my sense are (the announcement) will arrive tomorrow,” Read added.
It means Fifita will go from earning $1 million at the Titans to $850,000-a-season on a three-year deal at Penrith. But he’ll join a genuine premiership threat.
Read believes the signing is a “masterstroke” because “we haven’t seen the best of David Fifita” yet.
But not everyone is convinced.
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“I’ve got some question marks around the impact on this Panthers team,” News Corp journalist Dave Riccio said on NRL 360.
“This is a side that’s built themselves on hard working, tradesman-like players. Players that have sacrificed throughout their careers salary-wise, taking pay cuts to win premierships.
“We haven’t seen Penrith drop an $800,000 player into their system yet and I’m concerned about the ripple effect on this playing group.
“To go and buy an $850,000 back-rower, who you have no idea whether he’s going to fit your culture, and get paid more than what some of those guys that have already achieved.
“I question that… I question that the impact could be damaging.
“I think the reward should be with the playing group that’s earned the right.”
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Read believes though there’s every chance the club consulted senior players at the club before chasing Fifita’s signature and said it would be “irresponsible” to not make a play for the star second-rower when they can get him for $850,000.
Meanwhile, legendary forward James Graham also had doubts over the signing.
“Is he a Penrith style player? When you think of the Panthers… a star player gets removed, somebody slots in — systematic,” he said.
“Is David Fifita a systematic style player? A great player, a destructive player, but is he a systematic player?”
Source Agencies
