Speculation is rife that David Fifita will reject big money NRL offers and remain at Brisbane – much to Queensland coach Kevin Walters’ relief.
Walters said staying at Red Hill was the best move for his Maroons charge’s career but feared the off contract Fifita had been tempted by lucrative deals from a string of suitors reportedly offering up to $1 million a year.
Fifita has emerged as the hottest property on the NRL market with Canterbury, the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta and the Gold Coast linked to the 19-year-old blockbusting forward.
However, it appears Fifita will confirm he has re-signed with the Broncos in the coming weeks after the NRL club were by his side as he negotiated his release from a three day Bali prison stay for allegedly assaulting a nightclub security guard.
Walters hinted that Fifita should repay the Broncos’ faith and realise his potential at Red Hill rather than line his pockets.
“I think it is important for Dave to remember that rewards come after success – not the other way around,” Walters told Former Origin Greats website.
“You don’t get rewarded and then get success in the normal pathways.
“But I know that Dave won’t lose sight of that. He is a great young kid, and he would be aware of all of this.
“It would be difficult I imagine to be 19 years of age and try to comprehend where he is at right now in the game.
“But I am sure he has some good people around him who will help him make some really smart decisions about his future, and it will all work itself out that way.”
Walters looked forward to Brisbane unleashing Fifita’s full potential, admitting they had only scratched the surface despite a stellar 2019 that included State of Origin and Junior Kangaroos selection.
“He has shown, particularly at the back end of the season, what he is capable of, and I think that is a very exciting prospect for all Queenslanders,” he said.
“It is one of those things – we don’t know where the limit is for Dave.
“But right now he is playing some great footy, and I am looking forward to working with him again next year.
“It is up to Dave now, and the people around him, to make sure that he stays on his pathway and lives up to that incredible potential.”