EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould claims Roosters 'dodged a bullet' after shock David Fifita backflip

Phil Gould believes the Sydney Roosters have "dodged a bullet" by missing out on David Fifita, again questioning the club's interest in signing the star back-rower.

In a shock twist, the 24-year-old backflipped on his decision to move to Bondi next season, instead recommitting to the Gold Coast Titans for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Fifita's decision hasn't gone down well with the Chooks, who had reportedly already begun plans for the likes of Sitili Tupouniua and Angus Crichton in a bid to juggle their salary cap.

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However, with the Maroons powerhouse opting to stay put and turn his back on a $3.3 million deal at the Roosters, Gould claimed it could work out better in the long-term.

"Personally, I think the Roosters have dodged a bullet," he said on Wide World Of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus.

"I don't think he was going to suit them and I found it a strange signing for them - I'll stand by that.

"I'm not saying I don't think David Fifita is a good player. He is a powerful ball-runner, he's obviously an impact player and he can certainly win games for you.

"I couldn't see him, from what I've seen of his career, fitting into their work ethic … I don't understand it. I just haven't seen it in his career to date."

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Fifita is one of the most damaging players in the NRL on his day, but has struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance during his time at the Titans.

Contracts that went bad: David Fifita joins NRL's infamous shame file after bombshell decision

Contracts that went bad: David Fifita joins NRL's infamous shame file after bombshell decision

And according to Gould - who previously coached the Tricolours - the defensive issues in Fifita's game wouldn't have suited the Sydney-based club.

"He doesn't value it - he likes to play when they've got the ball, but he's not so keen on it when they haven't got the ball," Gould said.

"He's not what I would call a work ethic player, he is a powerful ball-runner. It's like under 7s stuff - even on the weekend watching him defensively, he would have a lot of work to do to fit into the Roosters club that prides itself on fitness, work ethic and defence.

"He didn't strike me as a Roosters player."