Wests Tigers star recruit Isaiah Papali’i is having cold feet about joining the club next season in the wake of Michael Maguire’s axing.
The Eels back-rower has been billed as a club changing signature for the struggling Tigers after Papali’i agreed to a three year deal worth about $1.9million last November.
But Papali’i has told those close to him he is now having second thoughts about making the move and would like to remain at the Eels.
Papali’i was close with Maguire and reunited with the former Tigers coach in the Kiwis camp last week.
Uncertainty over who will coach the Tigers has led to Papali’i growing increasing apprehensive about making the move.
While Tim Sheens is expected to take over as head coach, it’s uncertain whether that will be enough to satisfy Papali’i.
The Wests Tigers were contacted by The Daily Telegraph last month about Papali’i’s concerns. They said in their most recent dialogue he had remained committed to the club.
Papali’i does have a relationship with Tigers assistant coaches Ben Gardiner and Nathan Cayless from time spent working together within the Kiwis squad.
No official release has been requested by Papali’i, but he has made it clear to friends and family that he is loath to join the Tigers.
The Eels are also aware and have the salary cap space to retain him.
The Tigers will feel frustrated by the issue going public, but it is one that has been developing for several months.
The Tigers will rightfully stand their ground on the deal.
A player-swap from Parramatta could develop into a potential solution.
In February, Papali’i and fellow departing Eel Marata Niukore defended the NRL’s current transfer system that allowed them to sign with rivals 12 months out.
The Tigers can’t afford to entertain releasing Papali’i after losing a host back-rowers including Luke Garner (Penrith), Luciano Leilua (Cowboys) and Kelma Tuilagi (Manly).
The Tigers are banking on Papali’i and NSW hooker Api Koroisau to help turn the club’s fortunes around next season.
The reigning Dally M has played 102 top grade games since making his debut for the Warriors in 2017. He has established himself as one of the game’s most damaging forwards after joining the Eels on a cut-price deal last season.
Daily Telegraph
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Has to be BS surely another made up article from Riccio.
Like Brooks being dropped on bye week
Like Brooks salary increasing from November 2021 from 850k to April 2022 1.1 million and May 2022 to 1.3 million
Rubbish article, if it is true hold firm and tell Papali when training is at 600k it is a steal of a Signing, we do not want a swap with Nathan Brown and cash thrown in
I still reckon the wests tigers could make a brand new drama series. It would be a hit !!
Keep steering the right path
Tell him old man Sheens and No coaching experience Farah will be on deck when he arrives ..that will inspire him !Can not blame him the club is a circus let’s face it ,if you want success you go to another club and the guy would not be short on options .
If true, is anyone really surprised by this?
If this is allowed to happen then it's a club killer.
I suspect for many it will be the straw that broke the camels back.
To be honest Ive been waiting for this, from Api as well.
Hoping that they are both men who honour their word.
While the club keeps telling the world that they are in "no hurry" to sort the coaching situation out.....THIS is why they need to get their act together. We look like a rabble and the fact that we cant sort out a straightforward situation reinforces that perception. We need to get on the front foot and start running things properly.
The SMH have a different opinion:
"The Wests Tigers have held a meeting with star recruit Isaiah Papali’i in a desperate plea to avoid an ugly standoff over his services for next season.
The Parramatta back-rower has agreed to a three-year deal with the Tigers from 2023, but has been having second thoughts about his decision.
Papali’i has told those close to him that he wants to remain at the Eels next year. Sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Herald that Papali’i met with Tigers management a fortnight ago to raise his concerns.
They took him on a tour of the club’s centre of excellence in Concord, which is nearing completion, to show him what he could look forward to.
As of Tuesday morning, a Tigers official told the Herald that it had been indicated to them that Papali’i would honour his deal.
Papali’i has not requested a release. The meeting was arranged to seek clarity about the future of the club given the uncertainty surrounding the next coach.
Parramatta missed out on the back-rower’s signature after offering an underwhelming extension proposal late last year.
Parramatta were willing to upgrade his 2022 contract, which is worth $200,000, to about $275,000. They also offered him a two-year extension on top worth around $425,000 a season.
The Eels later increased that offer but Papali’i had already accepted the Tigers’ offer of a three-year deal worth in excess of $1.8m.
Having missed out on the services of Reed Mahoney, Oregon Kaufusi and Marata Niukore, the Eels have the salary cap space to keep him at the club. They’ve also granted Nathan Brown permission to talk to rival clubs about an immediate release. The Eels declined to comment when contacted.
It is understood Papali’i is citing the sacking of Michael Maguire as the reason for his change of heart.
He is also concerned about whether assitant coaches Nathan Cayless and Ben Gardiner, who he previously formed a bond with in Kiwi camp, will both be at the club next year as per the arrangement when he signed.
The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to sort out its future before making his next move.
Fellow recruit Api Koroisau has indicated to Tigers officials that he has no such concerns and will honour his deal with the club from next season."
The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to sort out its future before making his next move.
That tells me he isn’t 100% about coming.
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The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to sort out its future before making his next move.
That tells me he isn’t 100% about coming.
Also tells me that the club is useless and weak.
Why would you ask him to give them more time before making his move? He has a Contract with the Tigers. The Tigers will tell him his next move for Gods sake.
Not these clowns.
The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to sort out its future before making his next move.
That tells me he isn’t 100% about coming.
Also tells me that the club is useless and weak.
Why would you ask him to give them more time before making his move? He has a Contract with the Tigers. The Tigers will tell him his next move for Gods sake.
Not these clowns.
We all know how this will turn out. Not only will the club roll over and let him out of his Contract all the while boasting about a "favourable outcome" ($$$), but the Tigers will also sign Nathan Brown on full freight to clear the Eels cap to resign Papali'i.
Tell me Im wrong.
EDIT: Just realised Im quoting myself....this Club has finally driven me mad.
The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to sort out its future before making his next move.
That tells me he isn’t 100% about coming.
Also tells me that the club is useless and weak.
Why would you ask him to give them more time before making his move? He has a Contract with the Tigers. The Tigers will tell him his next move for Gods sake.
Not these clowns.
We all know how this will turn out. Not only will the club roll over and let him out of his Contract all the while boasting about a "favourable outcome" ($$$), but the Tigers will also sign Nathan Brown on full freight to clear the Eels cap to resign Papali'i.
Tell me Im wrong.
EDIT: Just realised Im quoting myself....this Club has finally driven me mad.
The NRL need to get serious about promoting an even competition and the value of a contract. They should step in if he asks for a release and back the Tigers if we refuse.
The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to sort out its future before making his next move.
That tells me he isn’t 100% about coming.
Also tells me that the club is useless and weak.
Why would you ask him to give them more time before making his move? He has a Contract with the Tigers. The Tigers will tell him his next move for Gods sake.
Not these clowns.
We really do need to stop stuffing around and announce the coach though.
