Could Wayne Bennett be the coach to finally “unlock” the true potential of David Fifita?
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It feels like the rugby league world is having this same conversation every time the former Dally M Second Rower of the Year changes teams, but this time around it may be different.
That is, at least, the opinion of Billy Moore, who believes Fifita has “lost his way” and that Bennett could be the man to help him rediscover his best form.
It comes amid multiple reports Fifita’s time at the Gold Coast looks set to come to an end, with Channel Nine’s Ben Dobbin claiming on Thursday night that while “nothing has been signed” the 25-year-old appears likely to be on the move to South Sydney.
“I asked Wayne if he sees Fifita as a starter or a bench player and he said, ‘Absolutely in the starting side’,” Dobbin said on 9News Queensland.
“He would love to have him at the Rabbitohs next year. He believes his best football is still ahead of him. This looks like it will take place.”
Bennett also confirmed as much in an interview with Code Sports, stressing that the Rabbitohs have not been given permission by the Titans to negotiate with Fifita but that they are interested.
Wayne: “They’ve grown a hell of a lot” | 04:38
Bennett has typically been the type of coach to take on players in desperate need of a fresh start to revive their career, with Brandon Smith and Josh Schuster two of the latest big names to make the move to South Sydney.
“I think Dave has lost his way and he needs someone to wipe the slate clean,” Moore said on ‘The Late Show with Matty Johns’.
“Look at this physical specimen — you’ve got everything you need. Let’s harness the power in him.
“I think Dessie got offside with Dave and couldn’t get the best out of him and he got frustrated with him and that’s why he shoved him back into Queensland Cup.
“I just think Wayne will be able to work around all that a little bit better. He’ll have a different take than what Dessie does.
“On his day, this guy is as destructive as you can get and I think Wayne Bennett’s the one guy that can unlock in David Fifita what is there.”
‘Not sure how he’d fit in the cap’ | 02:43
Both Matty Johns and Nathan Hindmarsh, however, cast doubt over whether Bennett can wave his magic wand and fix Fifita without buy-in from the man himself.
“Potential is the thing that gets coaches sacked and you can only be talking about what you’re capable of for so long,” Johns said.
“You look at Dave and when Des went there (to the Titans) I thought Des has proven a very good man manager in terms of fitness and getting the best out of players. You think that Des would have (got the best out of Fifita).”
“Why does someone have to unlock him?” added Hindmarsh.
“Isn’t that your desire to be a first grade rugby league player? To get out there and do your best?”
Fifita, who recently underwent season-ending surgery, is off-contract at the end of 2026.
