Super League star set to return to Australia immediately

Wakefield Trinity are battling with Castleford Tigers for survival and as the Tigers take on Hull FC, Wakefield will meet Catalans Dragons.

It could be an emotional night at Belle Vue. Not only could results all but send them down but it could be David Fifita’s final game with the prop confirming his retirement at the end of the season this week.

But was there a chance he could play on in 2024? Mark Applegarth said on BBC Radio Leeds:

“Yeah, yeah there genuinely was, but I think next year his body’s telling him that’s probably enough. What a career he’s had and yeah I think he announced it on his social media this week didn’t he I get told.

“The thing with Big Dave is it’s never about the money and all that side of it. You know, he’s a big, big character and yeah, he knew his body was creaking a bit. I think he’s made the right call for him and his family.

“He’s put in a great shift these last few years and Wakefield Trinity and it’s only right that he goes out on his own terms. So for him to be able to announce his retirement and go on his own terms, there’s not a lot of players that get to do that so fair play to him. He’s got my best wishes and everyone’s at Wakefield Trinity.”

But why could tomorrow be his last game? Well he could head home any day now due to the fact his partner is ready to give birth:

“Yeah, he’s playing tomorrow, then his partner’s due any time soon, so he’ll be playing it by ear after that. But that’s not a surprise to us, that’s always been the case.

“There’s always the option too that if we desperately need him, for example, he can always hop on that plane for a two or three day stint like his brother did. So yeah, we’ll play it by ear after tomorrow and see where Jade, his missus, is at.

“That’s the main thing, you know, family comes first. So no pressure from me or definitely from the club. It’s whatever’s right for Dave and his family.”

Asked if he would be surprised if tonight’s game would be his last, Applegarth said:

“No, no, no. You know, as I say, we’ll play it by ear. The main thing is Dave and obviously his pregnant partner and the family back home.”