Fifita puts pen-to-paper at Souths

Jarred Cross Published October 29, 2025 at 4.25pm (AWST)

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The 25-year-old joins the Rabbitohs on a two-year deal after Gold Coast agreed to release him from the final year of his contract. Image: Dave Hunt (AAP).

Origin, Tonga and four-time Indigenous All Stars forward David Fifita has officially joined South Sydney for coming two seasons, following a release from the final year of his contract with the Titans.

Fifita, 25, is ranked among the best second rowers in the game at his best, and will get his previously flirted with move south from his home state with Gold Coast agreeing to let go of their star, confirmed on Wednesday.

Souths have signed Fifita on a two-year deal for 2026-27.

He spent five years with the Titans.

"The club wants to see David happy and playing football and a new opportunity will give him a chance to do that," incoming Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay said.

"The entire club wish him well moving forward."

Fifita, managing just eight NRL games in 2025 with injury and form, was on the brink of a seachange to the Rooster before backflipping on a multi-year deal from 2025 with the club mid-season last year.

"I'm extremely grateful for the time and interest shown in me over the past two weeks," Fifita said at the time.

"But upon further reflection, I have made the decision that I want to remain a Titan beyond 2024."

It's expected Gold Coast will pay part of Fifita's salary at the Bunnies, which is reported to be around the $1 million mark.

Confirming his interest in Fifita in August, Souths coach Wayne Bennet said: "David is just a rare talent. We haven't seen the best of him yet."

Fifita re-kindles with his debut coach, during his time at Brisbane, in Bennett in Maroubra.

The signature you've been waiting for ✍️❤️💚
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- South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) October 29, 2025

"David will provide a new dimension to our forward pack and we are looking forward to seeing him in the red and green," Rabbitohs head of recruitment Mark 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.

Ellis added Fifita will be a "fantastic inclusion" at the club, who've struggled to lift themselve from the bottom part of the ladder in recent seasons.

Dally M second row of the year in 2023, Fifita is a four-time Tongan representative at international level, has run out for the Indigenous All Stars on as many occasions and has made eight State of Origin appearances for the Maroons across his career.

He's played 134 NRL games since his debut in 2018.