'With me every step': Fifita's emotional tribute to late father
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Rabbitohs forward David Fifita has vowed to honour his father's legacy in Friday's elimination final as his family marks one year since his death this weekend.
South Sydney's clash with Newcastle comes nearly exactly 12 months since Fifita's father Siaosi died, with his memory to be at the forefront of the back-rower's mind when he runs on to Allianz Stadium.
An emotional Fifita spoke this week of the difficulty of losing his dad at such a young age and dedicated his performance on Friday night to Siaosi.
David Fifita Try
"[It will be] one year on the 12th of September since my dad passed and it's coming up to that," Fifita said. "I do everything for him. I know he's looking down on me, and I will make him, my mum, and everyone proud in Brizzy.
"I was supposed to go up there and celebrate it, but obviously, we're in finals now. I'll be doing that for my family in Brisbane and my dad. I know my dad is looking down from above, he's with me every step of the way.
"He would want me to be playing rugby league to the best of my potential. He loved Wayne [Bennett], he loved me, and I loved him. It's just so good to play at such a great club and have the support."
Match: Rabbitohs v Knights
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
away Team
Knights
7th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Once viewed as one of the most dominant backrowers in the game, Fifita has endured a challenging few years on and off the field.
A crippling foot and ankle injury first suffered in 2024 derailed his final two seasons at the Titans and the Queensland representative's career was at a crossroads this time last year before Bennett threw him a lifeline.
David Fifita Try
The move came as Fifita was processing the loss of his dad and he credits the super coach for helping him get his career back on track.
"He was very much like a second father," Fifita said. "He just gave me a hug, spoke to me about what he can do for me and what I can do for him.
"It was a very emotional time for me and my family for personal reasons when I first came here to this club. I just feel like the support from the club and Wayne has been very good. I'm happy that we're in the finals now and anything can happen."
Fifita's first season with South Sydney hasn't been all smooth sailing, with the back-rower restricted to 16 games after battling a string of leg injuries but he has returned to his damaging best since getting back on the field in Round 23.
The forward sent a warning to his competition rivals a fortnight ago when he burst through the Titans defensive line to score a 75-metre runaway try.
David Fifita Try
Fifita is now preparing to play his first finals game since 2021 and he's desperate to make the most of an opportunity he feared may never eventuate.
"I had some dark days, just second-guessing myself and thinking, do I still have it?" Fifita said. "But I'm really confident in my ability, and it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.
"I'm enjoying my footy now and coming to work with a smile. All the boys and the staff here, we're really tight and we bring heaps of joy to each other and heaps of banter, good and bad.
"I'm just loving it and I think that comes down to enjoying myself in our four walls and training with a smile on my face."
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