Advertisement

Des Hasler called out over baffling David Fifita move amid 'embarrassing' Warriors scenes

The Maroons forward was incredible when he came on against the Warriors.

NRL fans have been left questioning why Titans coach Des Hasler did not start David Fifita in the ANZAC clash against the Warriors on Thursday. The Titans entered the clash against the Warriors under immense pressure as the only team not to win a game heading into round eight.

The Warriors started off their clash with the Titans on a mission racing to a 12-0 lead. And this was with star forward Fifita sitting on the bench. Hasler then opted to bring Fifita into the game around the 20 minute mark and the Titans stormed back.

And this was also due to the rampaging forward's solo try, which saw him barge through a number of Warriors players to score the team's third try. He then set-up AJ Brimson in the second-half after holding up the defence. Some could argue Fifita's presence off the bench helped the Titans as an impact player.

NRL fans are questioning why Titans coach Des Hasler continues not to start David Fifita (pictured right) after he came off the bench in the ANZAC clash against the Warriors on Thursday. (Images: Fox Sports/Getty Images)
NRL fans are questioning why Titans coach Des Hasler continues not to start David Fifita (pictured right) after he came off the bench in the ANZAC clash against the Warriors on Thursday. (Images: Fox Sports/Getty Images)

However, Fifita's interjection changed the game and NRL fans were once again questioning why Hasler was not starting the second-rower from the start of the game. Fifita returned from a torn pectoral muscle in round four.

He then started against the Cowboys and played 80 minutes. Since then he has started on the bench. While there may be lingering questions over his fitness, fans still can't work out why Fifita can't play 80 minutes with his presence immense for the Titans.

While the Warriors started with purpose, with Shaun Johnson defying doubters over his injury and controlling the team, the Titans stormed back. Tries to AJ Brimson and then Tanah Boyd in the first half levelled the match, before Fifita charged over.

RELATED:

And the second-half started where it left off with the Titans crossing immediately to stretch the lead to 23-12. And Warriors fans were left questioning whether the team are the title contenders they were tipped to be at the start of the season, or if the club were destined to miss the top eight in 2024.