Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler has backed David Fifita to put a week of contract speculation aside when he runs out to face the Cowboys on Sunday.
The marquee forward took a major step forward in determining his future when he informed the Titans on Thursday morning he will be moving to Sydney at the end of the season.
Hasler was disappointed with Fifita's decision but is confident the 24-year-old will be at his dominant best on Sunday afternoon.
"Of course he'll play," Hasler told reporters. "He'll play well and we'll get on with working on what we want to do this year.
"He's here for the rest of the year. He just hasn't taken up the option and he'll pursue his footy in Sydney."
NRL try time: David Fifita
Fifita had until Thursday night to take up an option with the Titans for next season.
The forward has been linked with the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters and ultimately decided not to take up the option.
The Titans have struggled throughout the early weeks of the season, winning just one game so far in Hasler's first year in charge.
Fifita's departure frees up significant space in their salary cap for 2025 and beyond, but Hasler refused to be drawn into a discussion on which players the club may target.
Match: Titans v Cowboys
Round 10 -
home Team
Titans
16th Position
away Team
Cowboys
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
While he acknowledged the makeup of the team will change moving forward, the coach declared the club is building towards his long-term vision.
"The club's growing," Hasler said. "So far this year, the results probably don't lean towards that but those who know footy, Kieran Foran, who's a pretty good judge and has been in the game a long time, he knows there is something happening here.
"We'll continue along that path and we'll keep moving forward."
