Wakefield Wildcats: Fifita can't wait to get cracking in Super League

NEW Wakefield Trinity Wildcats David Fifita arrival knows he's going to 'cop it' against Leeds Rhinos and everywhere he goes '“ but loves the prospect.
David Fifita.David Fifita.
David Fifita.

The giant Australian prop makes his debut against the struggling Super League champions tonight having arrived from Cronulla Sharks on a deal until the end of the season.

Fifita is an explosive front-row who should bring some extra power to Wakefield’s cause as they seek the win that will all but confirm their place in the top-eight.

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Asked what he’s expecting from Super League compared to the NRL, he said: “It’s just the same – the same physicality, the same intensity everywhere.

“You are going to cop it as a front-row. My job is just to lay the line. That’s what I’ll do for the team. I want to get the respect of the players and coaching staff over here and put my best foot forward.”

He is the twin brother of Kangaroos prop Andrew Fifita, another sibling Latu plays for Workington Town and he knows some of the Trinity squad having played alongside Tinirau Arona and Anthony Tupou with Cronulla.

“Tirona’s been great – I grew up playing junior leagues with T,” said the 26-year-old.

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“Anthony Tupou’s been great, too. I’ve stayed at his house while I try and get my house sorted. They’ve been great for me and my family.

“I arrived last week so it was good to get here and settle in properly. The family got in yesterday so it’s great to get them here as well.

“I always wanted to try Super League, to get over here, travel and try another comp, but I didn’t think it’d come this early.

“The things I do are for my family – I’m a family man who puts family first – and that’s why I’m here early and to help my brother out as well.”

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After two successive losses, Wakefield returned to winning ways with a 10-2 win at Huddersfield Giants on Sunday, a result that effectively cost their opponents’ head coach Paul Anderson his job.

They will now hope to complete a memorable double over Leeds and strengthen their hold on sixth place.

Tonga star Fifita said: “It’s really anyone’s game. They got a win against Salford last week and looking at us a couple of weeks ago we lost to Salford so it’s just on how each team turns up. The boys look great after today’s session, though, and we’re ready to take it to them.

“The boys have done the job of getting us up in the eight and you have got to give them credit for that. I don’t want to let the boys down. I just want to do my job best for the team.”

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He has played just two NRL games this season against St George Illawarra and North Queensland Cowboys while his last match was the Test between Tonga and Samoa on May 7.

But Fifita is not worried about a lack of match fitness.

“It’s been five weeks so it’s been tough but I’ll get some match-time and games under my belt,” he said. “I’m expecting to bring everything to it tomorrow and give everything I’ve got.”