ANDREW Fifita’s $3.5m deal to play with the Bulldogs was cancelled when Canterbury and Fifita’s management company yesterday agreed that a contractual dispute could not be solved.
While they indicated agreement in that decision, the Leader believes a dispute over third party sponsorship arrangements torpedoed a deal which could have made the Sharks prop a $1 million a year, after a month of turmoil (see the Leader on Tuesday).
The collapse of the deal does not affect Fifita’s last year of his present contract with Cronulla Sharks, who refused to comment on the development late yesterday past this statement:
‘‘Sharks have been made aware of the latest developments relating to Andrew Fifita and his proposed 2015-2018 NRL playing contract with the Bulldogs. No doubt this situation will be confusing and disappointing for Andrew, and the Sharks as a club have an obligation to assist him and his family to manage this issue. After further review of the situation and until speaking with his Andrew and his management, the Sharks are not in a position to make further comment.’’
What do you think is the right move for Fifita?
See more in the Leader Tuesday and story by Michael Carayannis at smh.com.au