Wakefield Trinity legend is set to retire at the end of 2024 as he plans to have a final season with Entrance Tigers in 2024 alongside Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin.
Fifita has “unfinished business” that he wants to deal with at the Entrance Tigers in Newcastle who have also signed Ireland international Brendan O’Hagan from York Knights.
However, the Newcastle Herald is reporting that this will be his final season as he is expected to retire at the end of 2024 concluding what has been a stellar career.
Fifita left Wakefield at the end of 2022 but returned to try and save them from relegation. This led to a second heart breaking farewell as Wakefield Trinity issued the following statement:
“As announced by the Big Bopper himself last week, after accumulating over 150 Trinity appearances, his professional career will end following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
“Fifita answered the SOS call from Head Coach Mark Applegarth and made a dramatic return to Wakefield Trinity, featuring in our Magic Weekend clash against Leigh Leopards. It wouldn’t take long for the Fifita influence to become apparent, as one-week later Trinity would be victorious over Leeds Rhinos at Belle Vue, picking up our first points of the season. Off of the pitch he continued his hard work with Crigglestone All Blacks, turning up to their training sessions and helping however he could. “He returned to Trinity as a hero and will leave as a legend.
“Everybody at Wakefield Trinity wishes David an incredibly happy retirement.”
“I personally can’t thank Dave enough for coming over how he did and helping continue our fight for survival in this league.” said then Head Coach Mark Applegarth at the time.
“It shows the mark of his character and him as a person.”
“We wish him and his family all the best with their new addition and I’m sure everybody understands that family comes first.”
When David Fifita re-joined the club in May, he said: “It goes without saying that this is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, leaving my family back in Australia,” admitted Fifita.
“At this time, I want to concentrate on getting myself right and bringing that smile back to Wakefield fans.
“The hard work starts now and I’ll be giving everything for the challenge ahead, which is to try and help a club close to my heart stay in the top tier.”
Unfortunately, he was unable to make good on his efforts to keep Wakefield in Super League.
