In one of the most sensational moves of the NRL era, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have rocked the rugby league world by securing superstar forward David Fifita on a stunning two-year deal worth a reported $2 million.
The marquee signing sees the Bulldogs beat out several heavyweight clubs—including the Gold Coast Titans, Brisbane Broncos, and even the Roosters—for the 24-year-old’s signature. Fifita, who had been widely expected to stay in Queensland, shocked fans and pundits alike by opting to make the move to Belmore in what is being described as a “game-changing deal” for both the player and the club.
The deal, which breaks down to approximately $1 million per season, immediately places Fifita among the highest-paid players in the NRL. It also signals a dramatic statement of intent from Bulldogs boss Phil Gould and head coach Cameron Ciraldo, who have made no secret of their ambition to restore the club to its former glory.
“This is a massive day for the Bulldogs,” Gould said at a press conference on Monday morning. “David Fifita is one of the most dynamic and explosive forwards in world rugby league, and his decision to join our club speaks volumes about where we’re heading. We’re building something special here—and this move underlines that.”
Fifita, who made his State of Origin debut at just 19 and has long been touted as one of the NRL’s most destructive forwards, brings with him a unique blend of speed, power, and athleticism. In 2023, he was a Dally M Medal finalist and consistently ranked among the league leaders in tackle breaks and metres gained.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Fifita said in a club-issued statement. “I’ve got a lot of respect for the Titans and what we’ve built there. But I felt like it was the right time for a new challenge, and the Bulldogs presented a vision that really excited me. I want to win premierships, and I believe this team is capable of doing that.”
Fifita is expected to join the squad for pre-season training later this year, and Bulldogs fans are already salivating at the prospect of seeing him link up with other rising stars like Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton, and Jacob Kiraz. The signing is the latest in a flurry of recruitment wins for the club, which has rapidly transformed its roster over the past 18 months.
“This is about building a team that can compete at the highest level week in and week out,” Ciraldo said. “David is a generational talent, and his presence on and off the field will lift everyone around him.”
While some have questioned the size of the investment, the Bulldogs remain confident that Fifita’s impact will justify the price tag.
“Players like David don’t come around often,” Gould concluded. “We’re not just signing a player—we’re building a culture, a belief, and a future.”
The NRL world will be watching closely when Fifita pulls on the blue and white jersey for the first time in 2026—and if early indications are anything to go by, the Bulldogs just might have landed the signing that changes their destiny.
