Fifita said he had bounced his exit plan off club legend Paul Gallen, who assured him he would forever be loved in the Shire.

The larger-than-life wrecking ball was handed his NRL debut by Tim Sheens in 2010, and was well aware Sheens would take over the reins at the joint venture next year before being succeeded by Benji Marshall.

The Tigers have front-rowers Stefano Utoikamanu, Fonua Pole, Alex Twal and Zane Musgrove signed for next year, while they have an have an option in their favour for Joe Ofahengaue.

James Tamou is unlikely to be offered a new deal, while Fifita has big-game experience and would come at a reasonable price.

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The fact Nikkita still has a year of her studies to complete in Australia means Fifita would be leaning to stay in the NRL, rather than uprooting his four kids to the other side of the globe.

“I see ‘Sheensy’ is back so it might be a reunion,” said Fifita, when asked by the Herald about returning home to the Tigers. “It would be nice. I wouldn’t throw [that move] out the window. They haven’t made the semis since I’ve left, which is a cheeky little shot [from me].

“If I go one more year, I’m not there to win you a comp, I’m there to help grow the club, the team, grow the young ones and help them get there. I’m the guy who comes off the bench and flies into people for ten, 20 or 30 minutes, and do a job. It’s all about giving back.”

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