Super League star’s career ends in the worst possible way

Jamie Peacock at Leeds Rhinos, Stuart Fielden at Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls, Adrian Morley at Warrington Wolves and James Graham and Alex Walmsley at St Helens; Super League has historically been full of top props but at Wakefield they will always love David Fifita.

However, it now seems his career is over and it has ended on a sour note as Castleford Tigers’ win over Hull FC all but condemned Trinity to relegation.

He confirmed he would retire at the end of the year ahead of the game.

Speaking before the game Mark Applegarth said there was talk of negotiating a deal in 2024:

“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.”

When asked about the potential for it to be his last game, Applegarth said:

“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 last night’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.”

It seems that this is the case with David Fifita spotted last night carrying his boots to the centre of the pitch after full time.

He would later take to social media to say:

“Not the good bye I wanted! Just want to thank club docs and paramedics for last night. Looking forward to getting home to my family and welcoming the new addition. Hopefully get there in time.”

The result was pretty much as bad as possible with relegation looming and it was made worse by injury with Applegarth revealing after the game that he was suffering with dizziness.