Wakefield Trinity coach goes into detail on incredible sacrifice David Fifita has made to help club

Wakefield Trinity coach Mark Applegarth has hailed the impact of fan favourite David Fifita following his influential return to Belle Vue.

Former Tonga international Fifita returned to his beloved Wakefield two months ago in a bid to help them avoid relegation from Super League.

Fifita 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 Applegarth and returned to his second home.

Trinity had failed to win a game this season before Fifita’s arrival – but they have won three of their last five with the self-acclaimed Big Bopper involved.

“I’d love to be able to sum up David Fifita in one word but you can’t,” Applegarth told Love Rugby League.

“He’s one of a kind, he’s a larger than life character, he’s got a heart of gold and it’s a club very close to his heart.

“The lads love him, he’s just that glue that brings everyone together and he’s been an absolute god send getting him back – not just for what he’s been doing on the field, but you can’t help but smile at him and like him.

“He plays tough, he’s put his body through the mill over the last few years, especially some of the games I’ve watched him play over the last three or four years – I’m just glad he’s onboard and playing well at the same time.”

David Fifita a ‘massive catalyst’ on bringing togetherness back to Wakefield Trinity

Applegarth says he is grateful to Fifita, who made the tough decision to come back to help Trinity whilst his pregnant partner stays in Australia.

Applegarth said: “He knew we were struggling and I was struggling, I needed some more people of his calibre.

“It’s a massive call for him with his partner being pregnant, he came over for the right reasons because he knew he could have value and he could see that we needed him.

“I’m grateful for him on that, he’s been a massive catalyst on changing the culture in the dressing room and bringing that togetherness and we’ve just got to carry on building on that.

“I’m sure the players and supporters alike appreciate what he has left at home to come over and help fight for our survival.

“He’s an active member of the community as well, I don’t think enough people give him credit for the work he does behind the scenes.

“He coaches at one of the clubs in our local area, he is forever giving back going to evenings to support people and different charities.

“He’s just a likeable guy whose heart is in the right place. He plays tough but he’s got a heart of gold off the field as well.”

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