Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui believes that his teammate David Fifita is set to reclaim his place in the Queensland Maroons side, despite recent setbacks. Fa’asuamaleaui, currently sidelined for the season due to a ruptured ACL, voiced his confidence in Fifita following his teammate’s exceptional performance against the New Zealand Warriors. David Fifita Poised for State of Origin Return, Says Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Fifita’s dominance was on full display at Robina on Saturday, where he racked up 195 meters and broke ten tackles, leading the Titans to a staggering 66-6 victory. This performance came after Fifita was dropped from the Maroons for the first game of the State of Origin series, which Queensland won convincingly with a score of 38-10. An ankle injury further kept him from competing against the Wests Tigers, just before the selection for game two at the MCG.
Despite these hurdles, Fa’asuamaleaui is optimistic about Fifita’s chances of returning to the Maroons, potentially as soon as game three.
“Billy won’t rule him out,” Fa’asuamaleaui stated. “He knows what he is capable of. He was a bit unlucky being injured last week, but Dave will keep fighting for the Titans and playing good. He will do his thing. Dave is the type of person who will work hard, and I am hoping to see him in a Maroons jersey again.”
Fa’asuamaleaui, who has played twelve consecutive games for Queensland, expressed his own desire to return to the Maroons lineup, despite his current injury.
“I hope to get mine back too. I am still a long way off, but Dave has just got to keep chipping away at it and doing what he is for the Titans and he will be right,” he added.
Fifita was a crucial player in last year’s State of Origin series, playing all three games in Queensland’s 2-1 victory. Queensland coach Billy Slater has left the door open for Fifita’s return, citing his high standards.
“David created a really high standard for his footy last year; he just hasn’t quite got to that standard this year,” Slater said. “I’ve got no doubt that Dave will get back to the footy that he played last year, and I’m sure that he’ll play in a Maroons jersey in the future again.”
The competition for spots in the Maroons back-row is intense, with players like North Queensland’s Jeremiah Nanai and St George Illawarra’s Jaydn Su’A starting in the recent game at the MCG. The bench also features formidable talents, including versatile Warriors forward Kurt Capewell and Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi, both currently ahead of Fifita in the selection order.
Fifita’s recent performance against the Warriors has undoubtedly put him back in the conversation for a spot in the Maroons lineup. With continued dedication and standout performances for the Titans, he could soon be donning the Maroons jersey once again.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/25-06-2024/12173/fifita-backed-by-tino-to-regain-his-maroons-jersey
