One of the Gold Coast Titansโ biggest names is facing a half-a-million dollar pay cut as the club formulates an extension offer.
Back-row marquee David Fifita is off-contract next year and can begin testing his worth come November 1, but the Sunday Mail reports the Titans want to retain his services until 2025.
Next year is the last of Fifitaโs high-priced $3 million contract, the deal which saw him become the gameโs highest-paid forward and the eighth highest-paid star in the game.
Though heโs shown moments of brilliance throughout the season, injury issues and inconsistencies in form mean Fifita will be unlikely to attract that kind of money in a new deal, with the Titans expected to offer a two-year deal worth approximately $750,000 a season โ for a total pay cut of half-a-million dollars.
While the price is reported to be in line with the position he plays, there are fears that a weakened offer may leave room for other clubs, like the Dolphins, to make their own play when November rolls around.
Fifita has recently secured new management and claims heโs not rushing into a decision.
โIโve still got next year, Iโm still here,โ he told Sunday Sport.
โWeโll talk about that next year. Weโve had those discussions, itโs for my manager to do the talking.โ
The Titans have already locked up a number of talented youngsters including Erin Clark, Beau Fermor and Tanah Boyd. In recent weeks Fifita has heaped praise upon Boyd, who he played Schoolboy footy with at renowned Gold Coast school Keebra Park High.
Titans coach Justin Holbrook has claimed he expects a Fifita decision before the free agency deadline arrives.
โI think thereโll be a decision before then,โ the coach said.
โThatโs still a fair way away. Dave just wants to get back to playing well and weโll give him that opportunity.
โHeโs working really hard. Heโs getting through a mountain of defence every week and his carries have been good. Heโs getting better every week.