If his last name happens to ring a bell, then you can presume that he is related to Andrew and David Fifita – he is, Latu is the older brother – as Latu Fifita signs on with Intrust Super Cup side, the Northern Pride.
The deal, which is for 1-year, will see Latu link up with his new team-mates on the 18th of November, as Pride coach Jason Demetriou looks forward to having Fifita on board and seeing the path he takes on the road to the NRL.
“He’s trying to follow a similar path as his brother into the NRL, and he certainly has the same physical attributes as Andrew,†Demetriou said.
“He wants to come up here and do really well, and hopefully open up some doors for himself into the NRL.
“He’s a prop or second-rower who is very strong, carries the ball well and regularly dents the line.
With some hard work ahead of him, Demetriou knows that Fifita has what it takes and looks forward to seeing him play for the Pride in 2014.
“It’s a big change for Latu, and he’ll need to get himself physically and mentally ready, but I’m in no doubt whatsoever that he’s going to be a great success for us,” said Demetriou.
“I’m really excited that he’s joining the Pride and our fans can expect to see a guy who is determined to help us achieve our goals for next season.â€
Managed by Scott Hill – a former NSW Origin player and Melbourne Storm utility – it was after Hill came up to mentor some of the Pride players, that Demetriou first heard about Fifita.
“Scott explained that Latu is determined to further his career and sees the Pride as the perfect place for him to achieve that,†Demetriou said.
“I think that’s a great compliment to everyone associated with the club that we can attract these higher-profile players to Barlow Park.â€