Panthers legend Mark Geyer has weighed in on the Panthers’ bid to sign David Fifita, revealing he believes the Gold Coast star would be a “fantastic” fit for the team.
9News and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed on Sunday that Fifita was set to meet with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary on Monday, and has since followed up with a report that the powerhouse forward had been tabled a three-year, $2.5 million deal.
With James Fisher-Harris and Jarome Luai leaving the club at the end of the season, Penrith are now in a position to recruit “marquee players”.
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Speaking on his Triple M breakfast show, Geyer said he believes Fifita will turn into a “powerhouse front rower” if he makes the move to the Panthers.
“James Fisher-Harris is going next year, so all of a sudden a lot of money is freed up,” the 1991 Panthers premiership player said.
“Penrith can now put themselves in a position to buy another marquee player which they didn’t see coming two to three months ago.
“He will be fantastic and I think Ivan can turn him into a real powerhouse front-rower.”
Fifita inked a three-year contract extension with the Titans at the end of the 2023 season, however, the deal included a release clause that would allow the star to negotiation options with rival clubs until round 10.
It is now looking likely that he will exercise that option and leave the Gold Coast at the end of this season
“Matt Cameron, the boss of Penrith, wouldn’t be doing his due diligence if he didn’t ask him to come down and check out the scenes,” Geyer said.
“I think he’s come down [on Monday] and met with Ivan Cleary. I think he would be fantastic for Penrith.
“Watch this space.”