Somewhat of a late developer professionally, Tongan-born Fifita came to New Zealand in his teens and represented Counties Manukau at Under-20 level before having a sensational year playing for their B side in 2014 netting 14 tries in 6 games which unsurprisingly saw him named as their player of the year. While working his way through the Steelers development structures, he also turned out for Pukekohe in Counties Manukau club rugby.
