LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Gold Coast Titans have decided to part ways with Des Hasler, confirming on Monday that he will not continue as coach in 2026. This decision follows a disappointing season for both Hasler and the Titans. Reports indicate that the South Sydney Rabbitohs' effort to sign Gold Coast forward David Fifita hinges on their ability to offload a $650,000-per-year contract for halfback Lewis Dodd.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has openly expressed interest in Fifita, who has struggled to maintain a spot on the Gold Coast due to injuries. In 2025, Fifita has had limited playtime, participating in only nine games during what has been a challenging NRL season. As noted by The Courier Mail, Fifita has been allowed to speak with other clubs, and the Titans are reportedly open to releasing him from his contract, which lasts until the end of next season and is valued at $900,000 for 2026.
In a tense press conference over the weekend, Hasler declined to comment on Fifita, despite inquiries from reporters about his contract status. Instead, Hasler repetitively asserted, "He's signed for 2026," avoiding any speculation on the player's future.
Despite the uncertainty with Hasler, Bennett made his intentions clear regarding Fifita, emphasizing his desire to add the talented player to the Rabbitohs roster. "We are interested in David here at South Sydney, so we will be talking to his management and the Titans," he stated to AAP. Bennett expressed appreciation for the handling of the situation and noted, "David is just a rare talent. We haven't seen the best of him yet." His connection with Fifita goes back to when he gave him his debut at the Brisbane Broncos at age 18, after a standout year in under-18s.
For the potential transfer to proceed, the Titans might need to subsidize part of Fifita's $900,000 salary. Essential to these negotiations is Souths' ability to move Dodd, who has two years left on his contract and is currently viewed as surplus to the team's requirements. Dodd, who was signed on a three-year deal worth $650,000 per season, has not demonstrated the necessary form to secure a long-term place under Bennett.
Reports from News Corp suggest that the Rabbitohs might offer to cover $250,000 of Dodd's salary for the next two years if he is traded to another club. However, finding interested teams has proven challenging, complicating Souths' efforts to make room for Fifita.