The Canberra Raiders missed out on securing one NRL powerhouse couple, however the club is set to open their chequebook to ensure they don't make the same mistake twice.

Despite being labelled as a '$1.2 million car crash' by one journalist earlier in the year, David Fifita looks set to earn the big bucks still in 2024, however he may have to depart the Gold Coast to do so.

While the Titans are keen to retain his services on a cut-price deal, Canberra appear ready to blow Justin Holbrook's offer out of the water - and there's more than just money on the table for the hulking back-rower.

NRL Rd 3 - Cowboys v Titans
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: David Fifita of the Titans celebrates after scoring a try during the round three NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at QCB Stadium on March 28, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Daily Telegraphย is reporting that the Raiders are preparing to offer Fifita a whopping $2.7 million deal over three-years, as well as his partner Shaylee Bent a contract to join Canberra's maiden NRLW side in 2023.

Bent, similarly to her partner, is a damaging back-rower blessed with speed, and is fresh off making her Jillaroos debut at the World Cup after some strong form for St George Illawarra this season.

It would unite arguably rugby league's second-biggest powerhouse couple, behind Adam Elliott and Millie Boyle, who are now coupled up playing for the Newcastle Knights.

Elliott played the 2022 season in the nation's capital while Boyle's father played for the Raiders, however the duo made their decision prior to the NRL's announcement which added four new teams into the NRLW for 2023, including Canberra.

While Fifita will be forced to take at least a $300,000 per season pay cut, a $900,000-a-year deal with the Raiders will ensure that the Tongan international remains one of the highest paid forwards in the NRL.

Despite his constant criticism, the former Bronco has had some bright moments during his stint on the Gold Coast, scoring 17 tries in 22 games last year, as well as making his World Cup debut for Tonga last month.

The Titans were reportedly only set to offer Fifita $700,000 per season, a considerable drop from the Raider's offer, however Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook isn't concerned about losing the superstar.

โ€œI'm confident David will stay,โ€ Holbrook told News Corp.

โ€œI've made it clear I'd like Dave to stay and all the indications from Dave are that he will be here.

โ€œWe've managed to get a number of guys to recommit to the club. Tino, Beau Fermor, AJ Brimson, Jojo Fifita, we are keeping the guys we want and I believe David wants to stay.

โ€œWe still have to go through a process with his management. It was hard to do anything while Dave was away, but we will do everything we can to keep him at the club.โ€

NRL Rd 18 - Titans v Broncos
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 16: David Fifita of the Titans is tackled during the round 18 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium, on July 16, 2022, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The Raiders already have Hudson Young and Elliott Whitehead signed as their starting edge forwards, however the Englishman is set to turn 34 before next season's end, and is only contracted through to the end of 2024.

Both Fifita and Bent are expected to tour Canberra's facilities within the next month as Ricky Stuart prepares to ramp up negotiations, and possibly leave the Gold Coast with a $1.2 million hole in their salary cap.