[3][4] Cronulla won a bidding war in late 2007 for Filiga, committing to a A$600,000 contract over three years.

Filiga, previously a Bulldogs junior playing for the Chester Hill Hornets, didn't make his debut in first-grade in 2007 as he spent most of the season sidelined with chest and foot injuries.

[5] In 2008, the first year of his three-year Cronulla contract, Filiga's NRL appearances were limited by his form.

He spent only 11 minutes on the field in the NRL, playing off the bench in a match against Penrith in round 13.

[6] Filiga then went to play for the Wentworthville Magpies, who are the feeder club for the Parramatta Eels NRL Side.