Wakefield Trinity legend David Fifita has had a farewell twice at the club, one much sweeter than the other.
Fifita was a central part of arguably the best ever Wakefield side in the summer era. Wakefield have finished fifth three times. The first one was in 2009 but the other two came back to back in 2017 and 2018 as Fifita cemented himself as one of the best props in the Super League.
However, at the end of 2022 he left the club to re-join his family in Australia and a possible chance to play alongside his brother.
But soon this sweet ending to his career was undone as his love for Wakefield brought him back mid way through the 2023 season to try and save the club from relegation.
This was a bold move by the club which cost them Jorge Taufua who left for Bradford Bulls to create the quota space. They even considered a move for his brother and NRL champion Andrew but for a long time it looked like the return of David would see them survive.
However, a defeat to Castleford Tigers at home unravelled their hopes of survival as Fifita left for the birth of his child.
Not the farewell that he would have dreamt of as his absence resulted in their relegation. He was believed to have retired but he has now joined former Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers star Blake Austin at the Entrance Tigers in Australia.
They released the following statement: “We welcome back David Fifita for 2024. David will look to be a leader of our pack and bring with him a wealth of experience and professionalism.
“David has played at the highest level for the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL, represented Tonga internationally and proudly played in the Indigenous All Star game.
“He has had stints overseas in the Super League and was an integral part of the Tigers Denton Cup forward pack last year. We can’t wait to see what he brings for 2024.”
Wakefield have already begun assembling a new era with Daryl Powell at the helm and signing the likes of Jermaine McGillvary and Lachlan Walmsley.
