David Fifita's future is locked in

Gold Coast have granted David Fifita an early release from his current deal and he will play for the Rabbitohs in 2026 and 2027.

After 90 appearances for the Titans, Fifita will head to NSW.

Rabbitohs head of recruitment and retention, Mark Ellison, says Fifita would be a fantastic addition to the Rabbitohs forwards stocks.

“David will provide a new dimension to our forward pack and we are looking forward to seeing him in the red and green,” Mr Ellison said.

“He has shown he has what it takes to dominate NRL matches and can match it with the best at State of Origin and Test Match level.

“He made his NRL debut under Wayne (Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett) at the Broncos and he has always been regarded as one of the game’s best when he is at his best.

“He will be a fantastic inclusion in our squad going forward and will provide us with a different style of player in our forwards rotation.

“We look forward to having him join us for pre-season training next month.”

Wishing his outgoing talent all the best, Titans coach Josh Hannay said: “The club wants to see David happy and playing football and a new opportunity will give him a chance to do that.

“The entire club wish him well moving forward.”

Earlier today, SEN's Greg Alexander cast doubt over whether it was a good deal for Souths.

Fifita had one year remaining on a rumoured $950,000 contract with the Titans but the 25-year-old fell out of favour with the Titans and played just eight games in 2025.

At his best, Fifita is a Queensland representative but Alexander believes he is far too inconsistent and lacks professionalism off the field.

“The Gold Coast Titans could be paying (the Rabbitohs) up to half a million dollars of his wages over the next two years,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“The risk is minimal for Souths. If they are going to pay him $800,000 a year then they only have to chip in $300,000.

“Would it be worth it? We just have to see how he goes.

“However, the history is not good with the Brisbane Broncos and the Titans.

“He was then going to go to the Sydney Roosters but he opted to stay there at the Titans but did nothing all year.

“Is Wayne Bennett the only coach that could get the best out of him? They should try and play him in the front row and play for about 30 minutes.

“There are a lot of strands to this one.”

Fifita’s departure is part of a wider clean-out from the Titans as they look to reset under a new era of coach Hannay.

SEN’s Corey Parker is concerned that the Titans have become too cavalier in allowing star players to join other clubs and may prove costly during the 2026 season.

“At this point in time, Kieran Foran is finished so he won’t be there,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“Fifita looks like he’s headed to the Rabbitohs. Reagan Campbell-Gillard is gone, Izaac Fa’asuamaleaui is gone, Alofiana Khan-Pereira is gone.

“Phil Sami and Brian Kelly look like they are on the way out too. My goodness they are going to need some players.

“That’s not to mention their skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui who has put himself on the open market.

“He’s absolutely heading to the Perth Bears.

“The Titans have a rebuild in play for 2026. Without doubt.”

The Titans spent the majority of the 2025 season at the bottom of the ladder and finished 16th with a 6-18 record.