Eels in ‘Advanced Talks’ to Sign $19,200-a-Week Star David Fifita – He’s Open to the Move
Parramatta, June 19, 2025 — In what could be one of the most high-profile moves of the NRL season, the Parramatta Eels are reportedly in advanced talks to sign powerhouse forward David Fifita from the Gold Coast Titans, with negotiations heating up in recent days.
Fifita, 24, is currently one of the highest-paid forwards in the game, earning approximately $19,200 per week under his current contract with the Titans. However, sources close to the player suggest that he is open to a fresh start, and the Eels are moving aggressively to bring him to Western Sydney.
With Parramatta’s current struggles in the forward pack and injuries depleting depth in the second row, club officials see Fifita as the missing piece in their premiership puzzle. The club is reportedly ready to table a multi-year deal worth close to $1.1 million per season — a significant offer that reflects Fifita’s status as one of the NRL’s elite wrecking balls.
Eels Make Power Move
According to insiders, the Eels approached Fifita’s management earlier this month after internal discussions concluded that the club needed a marquee forward to reinforce its spine and give captain Mitch Moses and playmaker Zac Lomax the platform to dominate games.
Eels coach Jason Ryles has long admired Fifita’s explosiveness and ability to break tackles at will. “He’s a game-changer, and we need that,” a club source revealed. “Our pack is missing punch. If we want to compete with Penrith and Brisbane, we need David.”
The deal is said to be progressing well, with both parties showing mutual interest. Fifita is reportedly excited by the opportunity to join a club that is still within reach of finals contention and is undergoing a roster rebuild with serious ambition.
Titans Brace for Departure
The Titans, for their part, are quietly preparing for the possibility of losing their star man. While they remain hopeful of retaining Fifita, there is growing concern that Parramatta’s offer — both financially and in terms of long-term potential — may be too compelling to resist.
Gold Coast coach Des Hasler has previously insisted that Fifita is a key part of his future plans, but the realities of the salary cap and the player’s personal desire for a new challenge may tip the scales.
Fan Buzz and Player Reaction
News of the Eels’ interest has sparked huge excitement among fans. Social media erupted on Wednesday morning as reports surfaced of advanced discussions. “Imagine Fifita running off a short ball from Zac Lomax … unstoppable,” one fan posted on X.
Fifita, who has been keeping a relatively low profile, was asked about the Eels speculation after training this week. With a smile, he replied, “I’ve always loved watching Parra play. It’s a great club with great fans. Who knows what could happen?”
What’s Next?
Should the deal be completed, it would mark one of the boldest moves in Parramatta’s recent history. The club is expected to formalize their offer by the end of the week, with a potential announcement before Round 18.
For now, all eyes are on David Fifita — and whether the Eels can pull off the coup of the season.
