Des Hasler has let Gold Coast forwards Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita know that they are a vital part of his long-term plans.
Fa’asuamaleaui’s manager Simon Mammino told AAP incoming head coach Hasler met with the pair on the Gold Coast recently as news emerged that both had clauses in their contracts that enabled them to explore other options if former coach Justin Holbrook was dismissed.
Holbrook was sacked on June 22, the same day Hasler was announced on a three-year deal from next year and Holbrook’s assistant Jim Lenihan installed as interim for the rest of 2023.
Fa’asuamaleaui and Fifita are now free agents but both have three months from Holbrook’s sacking to enact any switch to other clubs.
Coach clauses are not the norm but also not unheard of. The Titans pair had the clauses in their deals because of their strong relationship with Holbrook, who not only signed them initially but also re-signed them to new deals.
Captain Fa’asuamaleaui is contracted until the end of 2024 and has a two-year option, while Fifita is on the books until 2026.
“They had a meet and greet with Des,” Mammino told AAP.
“I will sit down with Tino after Origin and discuss his future once all the dust has settled and the emotion has gone out of the situation.
“I am pretty sure he will stay. We will work out the best way forward and at this stage that will be the Titans.”
Gold Coast recruitment manager Ezra Howe is not one of the NRL’s highest profile officials in the role but he has forged a close relationship with the players and is tight with Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui, sharing a strong bond with senior advisor Mal Meninga.
Both players have expressed their desire to bring a maiden premiership to the club.
AAP has been told Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui are focused solely on assisting the Maroons win a State of Origin clean sweep and will deal with contract matters after game three in Sydney on July 12.
“Obviously that clause has opened up but I am not focused on that. That is up to my management and my parents and my partner,” Fa’asuamaleaui told the Nine Network at the Maroons’ fan day in Cairns on Tuesday.
“I am focused on Queensland and securing a series win.”
Asked whether he was committed to the Titans, Fa’asuamaleaui said “one hundred per cent”.
“I am happy at the Titans. Obviously we had a loss (to Canberra) on the weekend but we still have a long season to build,” he said.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart told News Corp that he had already contacted Fifita’s management and made an offer to the boom back-rower.
In light of such interest, Hasler’s meeting with the duo will come as no surprise. Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui are two of the best forwards in the game and the Titans have no intention of losing them.
Fifita did speak to media after Holbrook’s sacking, when he played a key role in the 18-12 win over Brisbane in round 17.
“To hear Justin was not there anymore was really emotional for myself and all of the boys,” he said.
“He is a wonderful person and wonderful coach. We got along well together but … (interim coach) Jimmy Lenihan and our staff are doing a wonderful job with us.”
