Kemp's concern with Fifita's looming long-term contract extension

Denan Kemp has expressed reservations about David Fifita, believing the possibility of a long-term deal with South Sydney could impact his performance on the field.

Leaving Gold Coast for the Rabbitohs during last off-season, the 26-year-old has made the most of his new environment, managing to score six tries and run for an average of 139 metres per game.

The second rower’s return to form saw him return to the representative stage, having been selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII side against PNG’s PM XIII.

In that clash, the 26-year-old ran for 167 metres (69m post contact), which saw him provide 10 tackle breaks, a try assist and a line break assist.

And following that appearance with the Prime Minister’s XIII against PNG, the forward has earned a call-up into Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup.

Alongside the call-up to the national team, Fifita is also in discussions with South Sydney for a new contract.

Currently contracted through to 2027, News Corp has reported that the club is set to offer him a three-year deal.

But while Kemp believes his form has been exceptional, he does worry whether Fifita will have the same motivation that propelled him to great heights this season.

“I think that Fifita has been really good this year for sure,” Kemp stated on SEN’s Saturday League Kick Off.

“I am interested to see the length of it and also how much money the contract is because I guess with Fifita, it's about year on, year out, playing like this.

“The last thing you wanna do is give him a long-term deal, and he doesn't have the same motivation as he potentially had at the start of this season.

“That'll be the key for Fifita. We all know how good he is; he's incredible, and he did have some personal stuff going on whilst he was at the Titans, but I hope they don't jump the gun and give him this long-term deal and then he loses a bit of motivation.”

Fifita will be joined by Payne Haas next season at South Sydney as the former Broncos teammates reunite in the forward pack.

The Kangaroos will begin their World Cup campaign on October 15 when they play New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

SEN League will have live commentary of the match across our radio network and on the SEN app as part of our coverage of the tournament.