UPDATED: David Fifita could be set to move states after revelations the representative back-rower has been offered a three-year contract to join Penrith.
The Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas told Nine’s NRL coverage on Sunday afternoon that the State of Origin forward had flown to Sydney and was set to discuss a potential deal with coach Ivan Cleary and Panthers staff.
According to a fresh report on Monday from Chammas and The Sydney Morning Herald, the 24-year-old has since been tabled a contract worth over $2.5 million for three years.
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“They do have close to $1 million in the salary cap now available to them,” Chammas said on Sunday.
The development comes after James Fisher-Harris signed with the Warriors, giving the Panthers plenty of money to go on a recruitment drive.
When Justin Holbrook was sacked as Titans coach last year, Fifita and teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui became free agents.
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The club was able to re-sign both men, but it was revealed Fifita has a clause in his contract which means he has to trigger an option for next season by round 10.
His contract at the Titans is reportedly worth $1 million per year, which means he would be taking a paycut to join the reigning premiers.
Fifita has until the first game of the round on Thursday night to take up that option, otherwise he becomes a free agent – which is now looking likely.
News of the Fifita meeting comes after league icon Phil Gould suggested the club could move Liam Martin into the front-row
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