Crichton is seeking a two-year extension,which will give him enough time to fulfil his ambition to finish his career overseas. The 28-year-old made a pointed comment after the Roosters’ win over the Warriors when asked about Fifita,stating:“I don’t want to be sitting behind anyone.”
However,Crichton has no ill feelings about the pursuit of Fifita,given he asked the club last year for permission to explore options in rugby union. The Roosters granted the request and were exploring contingencies – including Fifita – on the expectation Crichton would leave.
However,Fifita’s call and a form resurgence that has the former Rabbitoh on the cusp of a State of Origin recall have paved the way for the parties to return to the negotiating table.
Speaking on hisWide World Of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus podcast,Phil Gould said Fifita “didn’t strike me as a Roosters player”.
“Personally,I think the Roosters have dodged a bullet,” Gould said.
“I don’t think he was going to suit them and I found it a strange signing for them. I’ll stand by that.
“I’m not saying I don’t think David Fifita is a good player. He is a powerful ball-runner,he’s obviously an impact player and he can certainly win games for you.
“I couldn’t see him,from what I’ve seen of his career,fitting into their work ethic ... I don’t understand it. I just haven’t seen it in his career to date ... He doesn’t value[defence] – he likes to play when they’ve got the ball,but he’s not so keen on it when they haven’t got the ball.”
The Roosters were prepared to accommodate Fifita’s partner,Titans forward Shaylee Bent,as part of a package deal. However,Bent is now expected to remain on the Gold Coast beyond 2024.
Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell said family played a key role in Fifita’s decision.
Loading
“A big part of the play is central[to] his family,but also the direction the team is heading under[coach] Des[Hasler] this year,” Mitchell told this masthead.
“His mother and his family are very much embedded in the community. He made the decision that he’s really enjoying his footy at the moment,and you can see that in his footy the past five or six rounds.
“The family are close and come to every game down here,so the combination of all parts is what put him in a position that he said he was excited to be here. He has committed to take up the ’25-26 seasons with us and make a significant contribution to us.”