Young NRL star David Fifita landed back in Brisbane Tuesday morning following a jail stay in Bali where he stood accused of assault following a nightclub punch-up.
The 19-year-old presented the waiting media with a brief address after his arrival was met by mother Gwen and Brisbane CEO Paul White.
"I'd like to thank everyone who helped me get home," Fifita said in his statement.
"I've learned a big lesson from what I've been through these last few days.
"There has been a lot going on behind the scenes and I'm really grateful for that. It's a great feeling to be home to see my family."
Fifita was held in a Kuta jail for three days during an off-season trip, having been accused of an assault involving nightclub security guard Dani Irawan, who he allegedly punched in the early hours of Saturday.
Fifita was freed following a peace agreement through which the Broncos player paid compensation for the matter to be dropped, which was confirmed by White Tuesday after the club's welfare officer flew to Bali following the news.
"Any compensation that was paid was agreed upon by David's legal representative over there and David himself," White said, ensuring the knowledge that the Broncos were not responsible for any financial restitution in the matter.
"These peace agreements are part of...the settlements of these types of incidents, and they do involve an agreement between the two parties.
"I know, having a policing background, that being in a cell is not a great experience and being in one in a foreign country was pretty confronting."
However, Fifita will still front up to the NRL Integrity Unit for questioning, which could occur as soon as this week.
Looking forward to him meeting up with mentor Bennett for a chat when he returns from England duties.
spare me Copy & PASTE, you just don’t get it…Souffs have already put Zimmer Frame Benny on the scrap heap for Lineout Eddie…
Fafita is staying on at the Donkeys. Souffs have bought their Marquee player …. Goodwin hahahahaa
The sombreros entertaining panic stricken posts continue.
“It’s the roosters way” as they say in spring roll st.
I love the fact White is saying They had nothing to do with the payoff. What a load of Broncos.
Now watch the NRL lift the carpet, pull out the oversized Broncos broom and sweep it all away.
Perhaps White could address the long ignored Andrew Gee payments with the same gusto
The payoff is likely to have pretty small change.
Indonesia is a pretty poor country, the guard was employed as a bouncer in a night club (not the highest paid job in any country) and the alleged punch must have been pretty minor (no hospital treatment that has been reported and no signs of injury to the guard in photographs). I would be surprised if the compen was much more than 10k. Chicken feed to Fifta.
Like father like son………. the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree………….
Too right Phoenix. Brisbane seem to be protected species when it comes to the cap.
Kelby – is David the son of John the ex Saints back rower? I’m pretty sure the Fifita twins are nephews of John, which would make them cousins of David.
38er, there is no relation between John and Andrew