David Fifita retires a Wakefield Trinity legend following Belle Vue return: ‘It shows the mark of his character’
David Fifita applauds the Wakefield Trinity fans
Wakefield Trinity have announced that club legend David Fifita will hang up his boots after returning to his beloved club earlier this season.
The former Tonga international returned to his beloved Wakefield in May in a bid to help them avoid relegation from Super League.
The self-acclaimed Big Bopper spent seven seasons with Trinity before heading back home to Australia at the end of last season.
But with Wakefield struggling at the foot of the Super League table, Fifita answered an SOS call from coach Mark Applegarth earlier this year and returned to his second home at Belle Vue.
Wakefield have since racked up four wins but it doesn’t look to be enough with two rounds of the regular season remaining, with relegation looming over the club.
Fifita has made more than 150 Wakefield appearances since arriving for his second spell, and also helped out off the field at local club Crigglestone All Blacks.
Following last weekend’s defeat to Catalans Dragons, Fifita darted home to hopefully make it in time for the birth of his child.
Not the good bye I wanted!
Just want to thank club docs and paramedics for last night.
looking forward to getting home to my family and welcoming the new addition.
Hopefully get there in time🤞🏽
BB 🤙🏽— David fifita (@david_fifita_) September 9, 2023
Wakefield Trinity coach Mark Applegarth pays tribute to the retiring David Fifita
Trinity boss Applegarth paid tribute to Fifita for his efforts in a Wakefield shirt, going above and beyond to help the club in their time of need.
Applegarth told the club website: “I personally can’t thank Dave enough for coming over how he did and helping continue our fight for survival in this league.
“It shows the mark of his character and him as a person.
“We wish him and his family all the best with their new addition and I’m sure everybody understands that family comes first.”
“Everybody at Wakefield Trinity wishes David an incredibly happy retirement,” a club statement read.
Wakefield face Leigh and Hull KR in their final two games of the season with their Super League status hanging by a thread.
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