While David Fifita prepares for his Kangaroos debut, he concedes a harrowing chapter in his rugby league career left him considering leaving the NRL.
A reunion with coach Wayne Bennett in 2026 coincided with Fifita’s resurgence from the doldrums.
His career was at a standstill on the Gold Coast, having arrived from the Brisbane Broncos at the Titans as their marquee $1 million man.
At the Glitter Strip, an ankle injury and demotion to reserve grade kept the Queensland Maroons enforcer just to eight games.
“It always does [make you think],” Fifita said, when asked if there were times he considered walking away from the game.
“I had a bad ankle injury, it’s been well documented around the media, but I just had a good support system around me and people who loved me and cared for me – they know who I’m talking about.
“This time last year was very, very, very hard for myself and my family on personal levels. But just to be here and look back at how far I’ve come, I’m so blessed and grateful for the people who stuck beside me through the hard times.”
Before the ill-fated 2025 season came a sensational backflip on the Roosters, after Fifita initially agreed to make the move to the Sydney club.
While the constant scrutiny around his work ethic, mindset and inability to produce the same form that made him one of the game’s highest-paid forwards clouded Fifita’s mind for a period, his move to South Sydney under Bennett reignited his career.
“It’s just Wayne Bennett – he understands the person and understands family, but mainly it’s just me having fun and being in an environment that’s really professional that I want,” Fifita said.
“To be back with him and the boys down there, they really brought me in. I thought I would never leave Queensland and Brissie, but I’m very happy with where I am.”
A hamstring injury hindered his start at the Rabbitohs, but Fifita reminded the rugby league world in 2026 what he could achieve when he was switched on and content on and off the field.
His exploits led to him being called on by Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters for his Australian debut in the nation’s second World Cup clash against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium, having previously represented Tonga through his father’s heritage.
“Kevvie was at the Broncs early on when I started my career, he was assistant coach under Wayne back in 2017,” Fifita said.
“In fitness, he would run with me back when I was a 17-year-old boy, and we had that relationship from there. He’s a great person, similar to Wayne – he cares about the person – and I’m fortunate enough to be in this arena.”
Fifita said it would be an emotional moment when his mum presented him with his jersey on Sunday, having gained a greater sense of pride in his Australian roots after captaining the Prime Minister’s XIII in Papua New Guinea before the World Cup.
“Seeing the kids’ smiles and stuff like that, running towards the bus and all that, it just goes to show we’re so blessed to live in this country,” he said.
The 26-year-old will start in the back row as Walters sweeps changes through the squad, as the coach aims to lock down his best side for the latter stages of the tournament.
Fifita would be firmly in that frame, according to Kangaroos teammate Reuben Cotter.
“He’s been powerful for the Bunnies all year. I love what he does with the ball, but he’s also worked hard on his game off the ball as well,” Cotter said.
“He’s in a good headspace, and he’s quite a character. He’s only got himself to thank for that – he’s worked really hard, he’s had a good season, and he’s reaping rewards from it.”
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