'I understand why': Paul Gallen backtracks on Billy Slater's big David Fifita selection call
Former NSW Blues captain Paul Gallen has backed Maroons coach Billy Slater's decision not to pick David Fifita after the Titans' loss to Manly.
The Gold Coast were dominated in a 38-8 result, with Fifita returning 133 run metres, eight tackle busts, a try assist and 16 tackles with one miss.
While Fifita's statistics are decent, it's been his effort areas that's brought about criticism from experts.
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During the State of Origin series, Slater was questioned constantly about not selecting Fifita.
Jayden Campbell and David Fifita celebrates a try by teammate Brian Kelly during the Titans' win over the Eels. Chris Hyde via Getty Images
The coach had said prior to game one that Fifita's form hadn't been up to the standard he set last year.
Gallen believes his application when the going got tough for the Titans showed exactly why Slater made the call.
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"I thought they should've picked Fifita but watching his performance yesterday for the Titans, I understand why they didn't pick him," he said on Nine's 100% Footy.
"When the game's going good, David Fifita's in the match, he's running hard and doing things. But when it starts to get a little bit hard that's when he backs back a bit.
"I don't often stick up for Queenslander's but I can understand his decision not to pick David Fifita, when I though they were missing a big man."
