Oh brother - Wakefield Trinity bidding to reunite the Fifitas at Belle Vue

The Cronulla Sharks’ 2016 premiership match-winner, whose defection from Australia helped lift Tonga to number four in the world, has 18 months left on his contract with the Sydney club but is currently out of favour.

“We have made an offer,” confirmed Trinity chief executive Michael Carter

“I’ve had one phone call with the main man at Cronulla and he is going to come back to me.

“However, they have now changed the coach so I have no idea at this moment if we will move forward or not.”

Wakefield paved the way for the marquee signing on Tuesday, freeing up space on their overseas quota by releasing Adam Tangata, who has returned to his old club Halifax on a deal that runs to the end of 2022.

Cronulla parted company on Tuesday with head coach John Morris, with Josh Hannay placed in temporary charge until Craig Fitzgibbon takes over from the end of the season.

The 31-year-old Fifita has battled knee injuries in recent seasons, prompting suggestions of an early retirement after a stellar 223-game career which has included 10 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and 17 Tests – seven for Australia and 10 for Tonga.

Fifita reportedly responded to the threat by shedding 20 kilos in the off-season in a bid to win back his place. The twins played together at Cronulla from 2014-16 and for Tonga from 2010.

Leigh have signed St Helens centre Josh Simm on a short-term loan deal and will put him straight in the team to play Castleford Tigers on Friday.

The Centurions have also added former Warrington centre Anthony Gelling to their squad.

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