Mitchell confirmed that no new deal had been negotiated, despite Fifita missing the deadline to trigger his player option, and that the club would move forward with the existing deal which will see him earn $1 million a season for the next two years.
In a statement released on his behalf on Wednesday morning, Fifita thanked clubs for their interest this past fortnight.
“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,” he 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 said Fifita had expressed doubt about moving to the Bondi club. His move now paves the way for Trent Robinson’s side to open negotiations with fellow back-rower Angus Crichton.
“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 statement said.
“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.”
Fifita’s decision to recommit to the Gold Coast comes less than a week after he called Roosters chairman Nick Politis to say he was Bondi-bound in 2025.
Mitchell said the reception from the playing group had been positive and that Fifita’s decision to stay at the club was a reflection of the impact coach Des Hasler has already had on the Gold Coast.
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“It’s an endorsement I think around Des’ leadership in that space, and you can see by the way we’re playing footy, and particularly the last half-dozen rounds, the way the team’s turning up,” Mitchell said.
“This [re-signing] is a critical endorsement of that program, Des’ leadership, and what we’re doing and what we’re going to become.”
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