**It was leave Sydney or go to jail: Fifita**
THE magistrate couldn't have made it any clearer for Wests Tigers prop Andrew Fifita: "Either get out of Sydney or I'm sending you to jail."
Having just turned 18, Fifita was caught in a dangerous cycle of gangs and violence in western Sydney, running amok in Mt Druitt, Quakers Hill and Doonside.
Three years and a stint in the infamous NSW country town of Griffith later, Fifita has transformed himself into one of the NRL's hottest prospects.
Good judges rate him the best emerging front-rower in the game - and having inked a $900,000 three-year deal with Cronulla last Wednesday, he has the pay packet to match the praise.
Outspoken, confident and immensely talented, he is the latest example of how rugby league can be like a Betty Ford Clinic for wayward youth.
"It was just the usual stuff young boys get up to, we were running from the police and causing trouble," Fifita said.
"I had to get out of Sydney because I was already on bail conditions. I'd been in another fight and then there was a big riot with weapons out at Doonside. That's what happens and you learn your lesson.
"It was either go to jail or get out of Sydney, so I went back to Griffith. My best mate Michael McLeod was the only one who visited me. He showed me what true friends are."
So the nephew of former St George forward John Fifita got back on track away from the spotlight.
He finished his HSC, re-connected with rugby league, got a contract offer to play rugby union with the ACT Brumbies, a part-time offer from Cronulla and then a full-time deal with Wests Tigers.
Today at Leichhardt Oval, Fifita will take the field against the Melbourne Storm with one objective - to show up Kiwi international and Storm forward Adam Blair.
**Both Fifita and fellow Tigers prop Bryce Gibbs signed with Cronulla last week, part of a Concord clean-out designed to accommodate Blair as a marquee recruit next season.**
**"We can't wait. To play this one bloke who's taken most of the boys' spots in the team … can't wait," Fifita said.**
"It's been a bit upsetting because all the boys are really tight. Don't get me wrong, he's a really good forward. **But I would love to have stayed at the Tigers.**
"**It's heartbreaking,** but it's done now and the Sharks is where I'll be."
They are brave words from a rookie prop, but at 114kg and 194cm, Fifita has the frame and game to back them up.
In a sign of his maturity, Fifita now has his 15-year-old cousin Jamali Hanman living with him in Blacktown.
Aware that Jamali was headed down the wrong path, the Tigers forward intervened.
"I grew up leading a troubled life and then saw a different way, so that's why I've got him with me," he said.
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By that a line by Andrew , you can conclude, at least in his eyes that...
1) He wanted to remain a Tiger.
2) He would have remain a Tiger , if Wests didn't chase Blair. :rant
3) Blair has 100% been signed sealed & delivered & Andrew just let the Wests Tigers worst kept secret out of the bag.
4) Fireworks and massive hits are inevitable come 3pm at Leichhardt this afternoon.
The Plot thickens....and bring on the rumble
