@mike I have heard that under no circumstances will that be permitted.
Given that info Garry I’m now more confident he will be here.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
@mike I have heard that under no circumstances will that be permitted.
And how many times previously have we heard similar, like every time.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Isaiah Papali’i’s manager had told the Wests Tigers the star forward will be at the club’s pre-season training in the latest twist to weeks of conjecture over his future.
Incoming Tigers coach Tim Sheens spoke to Papali’i’s agent Dan O’Loughlin this week and the joint venture was given assurances the Eels back-rower wouldn’t back out of his three-year deal from 2023.
Papali’i is considered a crucial part of the Tigers rebuild under Sheens and Benji Marshall, who will assume the head coaching role from 2025 after serving as Sheens’ assistant for two years.
Papali’i will be joined by premiership-winning Penrith hooker Api Koroisau, who has consistently repeated his commitment to the Tigers.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the Tigers had received backing from the NRL if the Papali’i contract situation turned ugly.
Rugby League Players Association boss Clint Newton also said the players’ union had told Papali’i’s camp they should honour the Tigers contract.
But it appears there will be no further conjecture given Papali’i’s manager’s discussion with Sheens and confirmation he will be in Tigers colours from January after the World Cup.
“The only thing I will say is I’m looking forward to coaching him,” Sheens said on Friday.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Fantastic news
Hopefully that’s the end of that charade, those Fox/News Ltd muppets were ad nauseam spraying their journalistic diarrhea all over this one.
maybe Angus Crichton is next
@jedi-tiger I think they’ll be wary committing to two excellent second rowers on big money, long term contracts. That would be a good way to scare away the up and comers and potentially get the salary cap out of whack.
I would love to have Crighton though.
@wiz That is definitely a consideration.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
The media will now have to find another rumour based story about the Wests Tigers. I can see it now, “Storm show interest in Doueihi”
It’s a long time between now and January, anything can happen and I still have my doubts. I think it may depend on who else we sign. Are we a basket case or somewhere worth coming to is probably what is going through his mind. In all the interviews I have seen he is basically saying he has an option not to come. I am not saying that is the case, but I think that is what he believes.
Justin Pascoe interviewed on ABC sport just now, re-iterating that the manager of Papali'i has confirmed he will definitely be with us.
There is now way out of this now @mike
Fox reporting Madge has met with Brad Arthur about an assistant coaching role at Parramatta next year. I’m sure you can all connect the dots on that.
We’ll be dragging IP kicking and screaming to the club in the off-season. Sometimes you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do though.
Justin Pascoe interviewed on ABC sport just now, re-iterating that the manager of Papali'i has confirmed he will definitely be with us.
There is now way out of this now @mike
Of course there is. Pascoe is a lightweight, means nothing. This still has a long time to play out.
