In-demand Gold Coast NRL star David Fifita would benefit from a move to Canberra and a change of pace, according to former teammate Jamal Fogarty.
Fifita is off contract at the end of 2023 and has had talks with the Raiders, having reportedly toured the club and spoken with coach Ricky Stuart about joining for the 2024 campaign.
Canberra halfback Fogarty made the same jump from Gold Coast to Canberra ahead of last NRL season after being shuffled down the Titans’ depth chart.
He admitted he’d chatted with Fifita about his own transition and how the former Queensland State of Origin talent could take his game to another level in the nation’s capital.
Fogarty said taking a step back from the spotlight would be good for the 22-year-old, who’s hogged headlines since signing a monster three-year deal to depart Brisbane for the Titans in 2020.
“I had a chat to him when it all came about and to be honest, I’ve kept in touch with Davey since I’ve left,” Fogarty told AAP.
“Davey obviously asked me what it’s like down here … I love Canberra, it’s nice and steady and slow.
“I told him that and that might be something that benefits him, there’s less media down here and you’re a bit more protected.
“From the coaching staff to the senior players, they’re genuinely good people first and then obviously the footy side of it will come too.”
Fifita, who’s scored 24 tries in 40 games for the Titans, would form a dynamic back-row partnership with emerging Canberra star Hudson Young, who had a breakout 14-try season last campaign.
The Titan looked back to his brutal best in Sunday’s trial, carving up the Dolphins for 148m and two try assists.
Fogarty suggested the hulking back-rower was misunderstood by the public, adding any club would benefit from having the “great fella” on board.
“Everyone forgets how young he is … everyone sees him as a footballer who’s damaging and runs over blokes and whatever else but the side I see is just a big, cuddly teddy bear,” he said.
“He likes to joke around and have a bit of fun on the side.
“Obviously the club’s showing interest in Davey, it’s up to him to make a decision about what he wants to do, what’s gonna be best for him moving forward.
“Someone of his talent, every club wants someone like Dave … we’d love to have him here.”
By Alex Mitchell in Canberra
