Cash Splash Down Under: Titans Secure Tino and Fifita with $15m Mega Deals

Cronulla 36 Gold Coast 6: Sharks Triumph, but Titans the True Winners

Retiring favorite Wade Graham scores first try of the season

The Cronulla Sharks emerged triumphant in their NRL clash against the Gold Coast Titans, securing a convincing 36-6 victory. The match was not without its standout moments, with retiring favorite Wade Graham delighting fans by scoring his first try of the season.

Titans Secure Star Duo with Monster Deals

However, the real story of the day unfolded before kick-off when the Gold Coast Titans announced the signing of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita to long-term contracts worth an estimated $15 million. This move can only be seen as a testament to the Titans‘ faith in incoming coach Des Hasler.

The Titans confirmed that Fifita had extended his stay until the end of 2026, and Fa’asuamaleaui until 2033. Both players had clauses in their contracts that allowed them to explore other options following the sacking of coach Justin Holbrook earlier this season.

Potential Suitors and Closing the Deals

It was reported that the Canberra Raiders had shown interest in signing Fifita, while the Melbourne Storm had expressed their desire to lure Fa’asuamaleaui back to Melbourne. However, both players met with coach Hasler last week and ultimately decided to commit to the Titans.

Fa’asuamaleaui, who was previously set to become a free agent in 2024, celebrated his new contract by scoring an outstanding individual try during the match against the Sharks. Meanwhile, Fifita found himself on report after a shoulder charge incident involving Braden Hamlin-Uele in the second half.

Long-Term Deals: A Water-Cooler Debate

The merit of long-term contracts in professional sports is always a subject of debate among fans. Some players have proven their worth and provided great value for their respective teams, such as Daly Cherry-Evans of the Manly Sea Eagles, who has delivered impressive performances after signing an eight-year, $10 million deal.

Similarly, the North Queensland Cowboys’ Jason Taumalolo has earned a pass mark with his performances since signing a ten-year, $9 million contract that runs until 2027. Time will tell whether Fa’asuamaleaui and Fifita will live up to their hefty price tags and bring success to the Titans.

Cronulla Climbing the Ladder

The victory over the Titans propelled the Cronulla Sharks into fourth place on the ladder, surpassing the Canberra Raiders. With two consecutive wins under their belt, Craig Fitzgibbon’s men are gaining momentum as they approach their upcoming matches against the North Queensland Cowboys, Newcastle Knights, and Canberra Raiders to conclude the season.

Sharks’ Potential for September Success

The Sharks’ recent defensive prowess coupled with the impressive performances of their back five—Tracey, Mulitalo, Katoa, Ramien, and Talakai—indicate that they have the potential to cause headaches for their opponents come September. Despite often flying under the radar, the Sharks’ victory over the Titans should not go unnoticed, even though the Titans‘ signings dominated the headlines.

Titans‘ CEO Hails the Signings

Titans CEO Steve Mitchell expressed his delight at securing the long-term deals for Fa’asuamaleaui and Fifita. Mitchell emphasized the positive impact that Fa’asuamaleaui has had on the local community, stating that his commitment to the club will serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring young players in the region.

Mitchell believes that both players, along with their families, share the Titans‘ vision and purpose. He expressed his excitement to witness them bring this vision to life under the guidance of coach Des Hasler starting in 2024.

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