Canberra is determined to land a big fish in the NRL transfer market and are hedging their bets.
The Raiders have cash to splurge and the club has made no secret of its desire to land the signature of Titans star David Fifita.
The Queenslander has entered the final 12 months of his monster contract with the Titans where he became the highest-paid forward in the game.
However, he has failed to find consistent form on the Gold Coast and is suddenly a wildcard on the open market since November 1.
A stack of clubs are reportedly chasing his signature and the Raiders are very much in the hunt.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart met with Fifita’s management last month.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield reported on Monday the Raiders’ offer includes a three-year deal worth $2.7 million.
The Titans are also hopeful of keeping Fifita at the club, despite only offering a reduced money deal.
The report details the Raiders have a back-up plan if Fifita rejects the club and are also a player in the scuffle for boom Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai.
The Kangaroos representative exploded in 2022, becoming one of the hottest forwards in the NRL.
Nanai earlier this year signed a one-year extension to remain in North Queensland through to the end of the 2023 season. However, he is free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2024 and beyond.
It was reported last month a Sydney-based club was preparing to break the bank for the 19-year-old with an offer worth up to $4.2 over five seasons.
The deal would see the 2022 Dally M Rookie of the Year earn $800,000 per-year for three years before earning a pay rise for the final two years of the offer.
The Titans are also monitoring Nanai’s situation should Fifita elect to move on from the club.
Last season Fifita failed to reach the heights of his first year on the Gold Coast when he scored 17 tries as the Titans went within a pass of the semi-finals.
He scored just seven tries last season and struggled for involvement as he was shuffled to the bench at times and lost his Queensland Origin jersey.
The Raiders are also targeting Fifita’s partner, Shaylee Bent for their NRLW side, which would emulate couple Millie Boyle and Adam Elliott signing for the Knights.
