New Dragons recruit Viliami Fifita didn’t want to leave Manly to join the Wollongong-based side, says star Moses Suli.
Young Manly forwards Fifita and Alec Tuitavake were both traded from the Sea Eagles to St George Illawarra for veteran forward Aaron Woods this week, with coach Anthony Seibold looking to add more experience to his pack.
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Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Suli surprised the media when he revealed Fifita did not want to make the move, much like he didn’t, when the Sea Eagles let him go in 2021 due to issues with consistency.
The move has benefited Suli’s career and led him to become a regular first-grader, however, he said he was not keen on the the change of scenery initially.
Suli and Fifita share the same manager and attend the same church in Sydney, and Suli says there are similarities in both situations.
“From what my manager said, he didn’t want to come,” Suli said.
“He loved it over at Manly.
“I was in the same situation as well, I didn’t want to come here. But I have to do what is best for me and my footy.
“I guess he’s coming to do the same thing. Hopefully he comes, has a crack, and hopefully he does well.”
Suli’s frank admission comes at a time where coach Anthony Griffin faces significant pressure, with reports the club has already started looking for his replacement.
The acquisition of Fifita and Tuitavake is positive news for the club and gives the side two players for the future while getting rid of Woods, who has not played NRL this year.
Fifita joined the Dragons’ top-30 squad immediately after being touted as a possible NRL player at Manly this year, while Tuitavake is a development player who will be upgraded to the top-30 next year.
“The opportunity to bring both Viliami and Alec to the Dragons continues to build our depth in the forward pack over the coming seasons,” Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said.
“We feel both Viliami and Alec are at an age in which their potential for growth over the coming years is significant and in their own way they each provide a point of difference that complements our current roster.”
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