Panthers legend Greg Alexander has warned South Sydney about their move for Titans star David Fifita, and questioned whether master coach Wayne Bennett can get the best out of former Origin star. Reports emerged on Monday that a deal between Gold Coast and the Rabbitohs was expected to be finalised in days, with Fifita set to join Bennett’s side in 2026.
The former Maroons forward is currently on a deal worth around $1 million per season with the Titans. But it’s understood Gold Coast would be willing to chip in $500,000 of Fifita’s contract with Souths for the next two seasons, in order to facilitate the 25-year-old’s release.
Fifita has proven himself as one of the most damaging forwards in the NRL when at his very best. But an injury-ravaged 2025 saw him feature in just eight games for the Titans in the NRL, and his form during those few appearances was well down on his destructive best.
The second-rower’s attitude and work ethic has also come under scrutiny at various stages in his career. And Alexander says while the deal to link up with his former coach Bennett doesn’t represent a massive financial risk for Souths, he’s unsure whether a move for the inconsistent Fifita is a good one for the Bunnies.
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