International front rower Andrew Fifita today signed a new four year contract that will see him remain at the Sharks through until the end of the 2018 season.
Rated amongst the best props in the game in 2013, with Fifita representing NSW and Australia, the signing is a positive boost for the Sharks heading into their match with the Panthers later today.
The 24-year-old signed his contract with Ben Johnson from his management company I.Am and with Sharks officials and was pleased to have now secured his future and to be staying at the club which has helped him develop into one of the leading forwards in the NRL.
“I’m very happy to have it done and I can now concentrate on playing football,” Fifita said. “I’m really looking forward to the next four years here at the Sharks, to winning a premiership and to helping to create some history for this club.”
Ahead of teams’ game against the Panthers at Remondis today, Coach Peter Sharp was content in the knowledge that with Fifita could now shift his total focus to his performances on the field.
“Andrew is one of the best front rowers in the game and his signing is a very much a positive for this club,” Sharp said. “We look forward to him leading the way for this club not only for the rest of this year but for the next four seasons as well.”
Fifita joined the Sharks back in 2012 after debuting in the NRL with the Wests Tigers during the 2010 season. His career now boasts 91 NRL appearances, 52 with the Sharks, while in 2013 Fifita played six games for the Kangaroos at the World Cup and all three matches in the State of Origin series representing NSW.
He is also in line for a call up to the Kangaroo team for the Anzac Test next Friday after playing a leading role in Australia’s World Cup win last November.
A potent attacking force with an enormous work rate, Fifita was the Sharks leading try scorer last year, crossing for nine four-pointers in his 25 top grade games. In addition he led the Sharks tackles per match statistical category with 34 and was second to skipper Paul Gallen in regards to number of hit ups per game with 17.5.
