Defiant Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler is adamant dumped powerhouse David Fifita is a “big part of our plans” and was adamant he could lift the club off the bottom of the NRL ladder.
The Titans are second-last after nine rounds and reports have emerged that Hasler needs his team to make the finals to guarantee he stays in charge for the third year of his contract in 2026.
Hasler’s relationship with Fifita has also been question after the former State of Origin forward was dumped to reserve grade after questioning his position in the team.
Fifita was then sent for specialist treatment on a lingering ankle issue, needing keyhole surgery which will sideline him for some time.
With drums beating about his own future ahead of Friday’s clash with Newcastle, Hasler was adamant that the current situation was nothing new to him and one he would work through.
“It’s all part of it. I’ve been here before in these positions. It’s called being in the kitchen when the heat is on,” Hasler said.
“We’ve just got to ride through it.”
Hasler said “winning some games” was the best way to keep the critics at bay.
“That starts this Friday, which won’t be easy,” he said.
“They’re in a situation where they have had a win after a couple of losses. Five-day turnaround will be challenging. But we will get down there and give it our best shot. I believe in these players.”
While reports also emerged that Fifita, who joined the Titans on a million-dollar deal and flipped on a move to the Roosters, was being shopped to other clubs, Hasler said he wanted the 25-year-old at his club.
“Yep, big part of our plans,” Hasler said.
“Our relationship is fine.
“Everything is good, everything is fine. We’re going well, we want to go better. So there are no issues there.
“Dave just needed to work on some areas and had to think a few things through. We’ve done that.”
https://thewest.com.au/news/des-hasler-insistent-dumped-star-david-fifita-is-in-his-long-term-plans-c-18621281
