'Get him on': Legends grill Hasler over bizarre $1m snub

David Fifita has been named on the bench once again, leading to more questions over coach Des Hasler's usage of the Gold Coast wrecking ball.

The 25-year-old was left off the field for more than half the game in round two, with the Titans going down to Canterbury in a disappointing performance.

Fifita is one of the game's most damaging players and has proven on many occasions that he can be a valuable asset from the opening moments of a contest.

READ MORE: Kyrgios at centre of lawsuit over 'inhumane' conditions

THE MOLE: Shock Sydney club in 'hush hush' Cherry-Evans discussions

READ MORE: Legends blow up as AFL upholds lengthy suspension

However, after being axed by Queensland last season at State of Origin level, there feels to be some uncertainty over what role suits Fifita best.

Speaking on SEN radio, Broncos great Corey Parker admitted he was confused by the lack of influence Fifita was allowed to have against the Bulldogs on Sunday, despite his hefty pay packet - he will pocket $1m this season.

"If you're Des Hasler and you're at the selection table [and allow] David Fifita to sit on the bench for 50 minutes - why? He's a million-dollar player," Parker said.

"[He is] a devastating back-rower. He is someone that you want to put in. He's played for Australia and Queensland. He's definitely not finished because he's only 25 years of age.

"His best football is still ahead of him. It's hard to run a team when he's on the pine.

"Get him in the starting line up. It's one that you definitely have a look at."

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Fifita moved to the Titans as a teenager and has become one of their biggest stars, but has thus far failed to lift them into premiership contention.

The edge forward signed with the Sydney Roosters last year, but backflipped to remain under Hasler's tutelage long-term. Gold Coast bizarrely handed him another $1m-a-season deal despite Fifita rejecting the same contract just a week earlier, before changing his mind.

The Roosters were only going to pay him $850,000 a year.

However, it now looks like Fifita could be out of favour or unclear in his role.

"Get your million-dollar man on ... get him on Des," league legend Greg Alexander told SEN.

"He didn't come on. He didn't even come on at half-time. (Hasler) knows his players better than me ... but the game was over and then he gets him on.

"Titans made him backflip from the Roosters and they had to pay him.

"Why wouldn't you then use him?"

Klese Haas and Beau Fermor were named as the starting edge forwards on Tuesday ahead of the clash against the Newcastle Knights in round three.