David Fifita has gone from a career crossroads to the Australian team in 12 months, with the resurgent forward crediting two coaches for backing him through his toughest period.

The 26-year-old second-rower had a stellar 2026 season at new club South Sydney under Wayne Bennett, who gave him his NRL debut in 2018. 

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: David Fifita’s journey to Kangaroos debut

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Fifita will debut for the Kangaroos against Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday under Kevin Walters, his old Broncos assistant coach and the Queensland mentor when he debuted in State of Origin in 2019.

At the Titans last year, Fifita battled a recurring ankle injury and was heavily criticised by those who did not understand the gravity of the complaint.

“This time last year was very, very hard for myself and my family on a personal level,” Fifita said.

“To be here and look back on how far I have come, I am so blessed and grateful for the people who stuck beside me through the hard times ... coaches, close mates and a big shout-out to my family and my partner who would see me behind closed doors and what I experienced.

“I had a bad ankle injury and that has been well documented around the media. I had a good support system around me, with people who loved me and cared for me.”

Fifita acknowledged that the hard times “made me the person I am today”, while crediting the Rabbitohs and now Walters for giving him a boost.

“It is just Wayne Bennett. He understands the person and he understands family. It is just about being in an environment that is really professional and that I missed,” he said.

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“Kevvie was at the Broncos early on when I started in my career under Wayne, and in fitness (drills) he would run with me when I was a 17-year-old boy.

“We’ve had that relationship from there. He is a great person and similar to Wayne in that he cares about the person.”

Fifita captained the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII to a 60-10 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby this month, but Sunday will be his first hit-out for the Kangaroos after previously representing Tonga at the 2022 World Cup to honour his late father.

“I enjoyed my time playing for Tonga. My dad is Tongan,” Fifita said.

“This time I get to represent my home country. I was born in Brisbane and to do it for my other side means a lot. I loved putting the Tongan jersey on and I can’t wait to put the Australian jersey on.

“I am looking forward to running out at Suncorp Stadium where it all began for me as a young boy. All my family will be at the game.”