Furner targets Wakefield star to bolster Rhinos pack

Leeds Rhinos head coach David Furner wants to bring in Wakefield forward David Fifita to help solve the club’s forward crisis.

Fifita is out of contract at the end of the season and although Chris Chester is keen to keep him at the club, Furner is hoping to tempt the prop to Headingley for big money.

The 29-year-old signed for Trinity in June 2016 and quickly became a fans favourite due to his direct running style and physical dominance in the middle of the pitch.

Those attributes have caught the eye of the Rhinos boss who has made space on the club’s salary cap this season, following the departures of Anthony Mullally, Josh Walters and Jack Ormondroyd.

The interest in Fifita is likely to force Wakefield into offering him a new and improved contract, with the Tongan international a particular favourite of Chairman Michael Carter.

But Leeds financial power could force their West Yorkshire rivals into accepting an offer, given the fact that he could leave for free at the end of the season.

David is the twin brother of NRL star Andrew Fifita, who he played alongside for three years at his previous club Cronulla Sharks – making 19 first grade appearances.

However, the one-time Indigenous All Stars representative has publicly stated he prefers the expansive style of Super League and may prefer a stay in England over a return Down Under.

It remains to be seen though whether Wakefield will stand firm on Fifita after a tough start to the new season, losing their first two games to London Broncos and St Helens respectively.