Titans coach Des Hasler had a fiery exchange with a journalist over David Fifita’s future after his team’s 32-18 loss to the Warriors on Saturday night.
The Courier-Mail reported this week that injured Titans star Fifita had been granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs, and would be free to leave immediately if he could secure a deal elsewhere, despite being under contract with the Titans until the end of the 2026 season.
According to the report, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett is interested in recruiting the Titans star.
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Hasler was questioned by the reporter over Fifita in the post-game press conference, and it led to a testy exchange between the pair.
“Des, can you explain to us the situation with David Fifita and his future?” The reporter asked Hasler.
“Well, David at the moment is making his way back, as you know, from ankle surgery,” Hasler replied.
“So he will come back from that and he will go into rehab.
“He’s signed for next year.
“So he’s signed for ‘26.”
The journalist then asked Hasler directly about the reports earlier in the week.
“Have you given him permission to seek interest from other clubs?” The reporter asked Hasler.
“He’s signed for ‘26,” Hasler responded.
In the heated exchange, the reporter then asked Hasler that same question, and Hasler gave the same answer, before the reporter became irritated.
“You’re not answering the question, Des,” the reporter said.
“I’m not going to answer it,” Hasler replied.
“It’s an important issue at the club,” the reporter said.
“No, it’s not,” Hasler responded.
The reporter doubled down.
“You can’t keep avoiding everything,” he said to Hasler.
But Hasler wouldn’t be drawn into it.
“I’m not going to answer it. We don’t discuss retention on this platform,” Hasler said.
The journalist wasn’t satisfied with Hasler’s response.
“Yeah, but that’s just a cop out,” the reporter said.
“No, it’s not,” Hasler replied.
The reporter then made a reference to the crowd being predominantly Warriors supporters.
“Mate, have a look at the crowd out there tonight. They’re all Warriors fans. It’s embarrassing,” the reporter said.
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Hasler reiterated his earlier response.
“He’s signed for ‘26,” Hasler said of Fifita.
A different reporter then asked Hasler specifically about the reported interest from the Rabbitohs.
“South Sydney have said that they’re keen to sign him,” the reporter said.
But Hasler wouldn’t go into it.
“We’re going to get him back on the field, do his rehab. He’s signed here for ‘26,” Hasler said.
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