How four words from David Fifita started ringing alarm bells at the Roosters before Titans star stunned them by backflipping on his deal

The Roosters were reportedly concerned about a David Fifita u-turn after hearing four words from the Titans superstar ahead of his signing last week.

On Wednesday morning the Titans announced the 24-year-old will remain with the club until the end of 2026, despite the Tricolors previously announcing he had agreed to join from 2025.

'The Gold Coast Titans can confirm David Fifita will remain at the club beyond 2024 and have approved his request to activate his player option for the next two seasons,' the club said in a statement.

'This will result in Fifita remaining part of the Gold Coast squad until the end of 2026.'

'I’m extremely grateful for the time and interest shown in me over the past two weeks, but upon further reflection, I have made the decision that I want to remain a Titan beyond 2024,' Fifita said.

'I’m excited about the direction the team is taking and being close to home, and my family has been central to helping me make this decision.'

The Roosters confirmed the move, saying the club has withdrawn the offer to Fifita.

'Despite his management making the initial approach to the Club and Fifita personally informing the Sydney Roosters’ Chairman and Head Coach of his intent to join the Club last Thursday, Fifita has since expressed doubt about his decision,' the Roosters announced on their website.

'Consequently, the Club has elected to withdraw its offer with view that it is in the Roosters’ best interests. The Club wishes Fifita all the best.'

And News Corp has detailed the message that left the Roosters fearing that Fifita had developed cold feet.

When the 24-year-old signed for the club last week, he told chief executive Nick Politis that he was calling with 'good and bad news'. He reportedly told Politis that the fact he was signing for the Roosters was both 'good and bad'.

Fifita has formed a close bond with the Titans and is settled on the Gold Coast, with club management going the extra mile to make his family feel welcome. 

Titans CEO Steve Mitchell regularly treats the backrower's family to a cup of tea and their favourite biscuits, Monte Carlos, during home games, visiting the supermarket before each match to get the supplies in. 

A dejected Politis said: 'It's hard to understand. He approached us and did the same with Penrith.

'After coming to Sydney to meet with [head coach] Trent Robinson and the rest of the coaching staff, it's hard to understand how he can display and create uncertainty.'