Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook claims David Fifita’s star showing against Wests Tigers proves ongoing contract talks won’t be a distraction for the second-rower this year.
After a week of speculation about his future and a call from Brisbane coach Kevin Walters, Fifita was the Titans’ best in their 22-10 win over the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday night.
The second-rower’s combination with Kieran Foran was particularly impressive, with the veteran five-eighth able to give Fifita the space he has long craved amid limited attacking opportunities.
The excitement over the pairing could be short-lived, with the Titans fearing Foran has suffered a PCL injury after being tackled from the side by Apisai Koroisau late in his first game for the club.
Nonetheless, Holbrook was happy with Fifita’s performance after talking to the off-contract star earlier in the week about not letting questions over his future become a distraction.
“It’s been this position since November, where he is allowed to be open to make a decision,” Holbrook said.
“No one really spoke about it, and then round one and everyone wants to talk about it.
“Early in the week we chatted about it and said we can’t afford to slip up round one and use it as an excuse.
“Dave came out on the Friday session and trained really well, so he gave the players and myself a lot of confidence it wasn’t going to be an issue.
“And tonight it clearly wasn’t.”
Holbrook said he was unsure when the 23-year-old would decide where he would play next year.
Playing next to Foran, Fifita set up the Titans’ first try when he was sent through a gap by the five-eighth and barged through the line to put Phillip Sami over.
The second-rower finished the night with 162 metres and five tackle busts.
Fifita had been expected to start the season on the right edge beside halfback Tanah Boyd, before fellow second-rower Beau Fermor’s season-ending ACL injury in training last week prompted a move to the left next to Foran.
The Titans are confident Foran has not suffered the same fate as Fermor, but fear he will spend lengthy time on the sidelines with concerns over his PCL.
“We know how good he has been for us in the pre-season, so we are hoping we get him back quickly,” Holbrook said.
“They (Foran and Fifita) only really had the one training session together and they looked terrific.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity they were going to get on that edge.
“It’s going to be a good combination if we get Keiran back out there quickly.”
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