Playing career
Andrew Fifita was signed by the Wests Tigers Toyota Cup side in 2009. He played his junior football with the Griffith Waratah Tigers. He impressed scouts with his performances in the local competition as well as trials in Sydney. The rampaging second-rower/prop was courted by as many as four NRL clubs during the past year, with the Tigers beating Manly, Cronulla and Melbourne for the 19-year-old’s services. Fifita’s signature could have easily ended up on a Sharks contract, having trialled with the shire-based side before deciding to side with the club close to his heart.
Upon his signing, Fifita said it was good to finally have his future decided, adding the hard work now begins with a torturous off-season already planned for the new recruit. “It’s good to finally sign something,” Fifita said. “I’ve been down here the last few weeks training with a lot of the first grade guys and they have been really good. The rest of the club has been really good as well, looking after me.”
Fifita has seen a lot of the inside of the Wests Tigers gym over the last few weeks, and has been put on notice that the club expects him to practically live there over the summer months. “I’ve already been doing weights sessions and a fair bit of cardio as well,” he said. “In the weight sessions they really max you out, but they have put me on a diet as well and they said they want me to get bigger and fitter before the end of the pre-season.”
Andrew won’t be the only Fifita in a Tigers jersey in 2009, with twin brother David also being snapped up by the black, white and golds. The move is also beneficial for Fifita off the field, as it reunites him with his family who live in Sydney.
Andrew had an outstanding debut season for the NYC side leading from the front, culminating in an appearance in the 2009 NYC Toyota Cup Grand Final v Melbourne Storm .
Representative Career
Rep Honours : Nil
Career Highlights
- Club Debut NYC Round 1 [16 Mar 09] v Raiders, Campbelltown Sports Ground
- 2009 NYC Toyota Cup Grand Final v Melbourne Storm. ANZ Stadium,4/10/09
