David Fifita could be set to move states after revelations he is set to meet with Penrith.
9News and The Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas told Nine’s coverage on Sunday afternoon the State of Origin second-rower has flown to Sydney and will discuss a potential deal with coach Ivan Cleary and Panthers staff.
It comes after James Fisher-Harris signed with the Warriors, giving the Panthers plenty of money to go on a recruitment drive.
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“They’ve expressed interest in his services, it hasn’t gone to the point of an offer but they do want to meet with David Fifita to discuss his motivation for potentially leaving the Gold Coast Titans,” Chammas said.
“They do have close to $1 million in the salary cap now available to them.”
When Justin Holbrook was sacked as Titans coach, David Fifita and teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui became free agents.
The club was able to re-sign both men but it was revealed Fifita has a clause in his contract which means he has to trigger an option for next season by round 10. That contract is reportedly worth $1m-a-season.
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Fifita reportedly has until the first game of the round to take up that option otherwise he becomes a free agent.
News of the Fifita meeting comes after league icon Phil Gould suggested the club could move Liam Martin into the front-row.