The Mole: Ipswich Jets Chairman Responds to David Fifita’s Criticism After Team Suffers Heavy Defeat

David Fifita, a player known for his enigmatic nature, has faced considerable criticism for what has been described as a disappointing performance in the Queensland Cup following his drop from the Titans.

During a 32-0 defeat to Northern Pride, Fifita managed merely nine runs for a total of 58 metres. However, Steve Johnson, chairman of the Ipswich Jets, has come to his defence.

“It was just one of those games – our forwards only had five carries throughout,” Johnson commented to Wide World of Sports. “On a wet surface, we really struggled to maintain possession, but the young bloke put in the effort, making 20 tackles without missing one.

“He played the entire 80 minutes and is wholly committed to us, providing great support to the younger players.”

Fifita’s future now hangs in the balance, as he earns around $1 million a season, making it difficult for any club to accommodate a player on such a hefty deal in reserve grade.

To complicate matters further, the powerful back-rower is facing an injury layoff due to a persistent ankle issue and is set to consult a specialist to assess his recovery timeline.

HIA ISSUES FOLLOWING MAGIC ROUND

The NRL has expressed its displeasure at one club for its handling of a concussion incident during Magic Round at Suncorp.

While the player did not return to the field, he was spotted post-match in the changerooms enjoying a beer, leading to concerns over HIA protocols.

Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Nrl medical officials have reached out to the club seeking clarification after yet another incident of HIA procedures not being followed appropriately.

Who was it? I won’t name and shame but here’s a hint – his team came out on top.

HAYNE’S NEW LANDING GROUND

Jarryd Hayne is on the verge of making his return to rugby league after over six years away from the game.

Now 37, he was released from prison last June after serving two years, following a successful appeal against a rape conviction.

Since then, he has been training with the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup, although he has struggled with injuries throughout.

Finally, Hayne appears set to take the field once again, potentially debuting this weekend.

Wentworthville serves as a feeder club for the Parramatta Eels, but there is no indication that Hayne is eyeing a return to the NRL following his lengthy hiatus.

His career has been full of highs and lows, having burst onto the NRL scene as a confident teen in 2006. By 2009, he was at his peak, winning the Dally M Medal and leading the Eels to the grand final.

Hayne had a brief but highly publicised involvement with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL in 2015 before returning to rugby league, but his career was abruptly interrupted by sexual assault allegations in 2018.

KNIGHTS DISCOVER A RISING STAR

Newcastle recently claimed a narrow second place to the Roosters in the Harold Matts Cup, unearthing a potential star in the process.

Young halfback Chase Butler caught the eye, particularly given the club’s much-discussed playmaking challenges over the previous two seasons.

The silver lining for Newcastle supporters is that Butler has committed his future to the club, newly signing a two-year contract amidst a flurry of interest.