Papali'i breaks silence on 'distracting' Wests Tigers contract saga
He’s been one of the most talked about players across the NRL in 2022, and now Parramatta Eels back-rower Isaiah Papali’i has confirmed that he’s still not 100% sure if he’ll honour his agreement with Wests Tigers ahead of a move to Concord next year.
Papali’i originally signed a three-year agreement starting from next season, but the deal has returned to uncertain waters following weeks of turmoil at the club that began with the sacking of former coach Michael Maguire.
“People ask me about it, even on the street, but that’s for my manager to look after,” Papali’i told Channel 9’s Danika Mason.
“If I don’t stay (at Parramatta), I still want to make sure I have no regrets this year.”
After weeks of speculation, the in-form Eel confirmed what had long been suspected – that it was the Tigers’ decision to part ways with Maguire that prompted him to re-evaluate the move.
“I think it was the coach axing,” he said.
“When I signed (for the Tigers) I was talking to Madge (Maguire) and he’s an awesome coach. The news rattled my cage a bit. They had to have those conversations, but it was a massive factor for me.”
With so much change at the club in recent weeks, headlined by the return of former coach Tim Sheens and club legend Benji Marshall to lead the team next year – as well as questions over the future make-up of the side – Papali’i isn’t getting distracted, saying he’ll leave the final decision for some time after the season concludes.
“(I’ll decide) somewhere in the off-season, it’s just distracting me at the moment. We have a massive opportunity and I don’t want to leave any stone unturned this year and look back on it thinking ‘I shouldn’t have let this (Tigers) stuff get in the way.’”
Papali’i is now focused on the Eels’ remaining games and the hopes of winning a premiership. The blue-and-gold have been boosted by back to back wins against Penrith and Manly and will be full of confidence ahead of the game with South Sydney on Friday night.
“We’ve got a massive run home, I’m really looking forward to this Friday. We want to make sure we don’t let our fans down or – more importantly – let ourselves down.”
The Eels have lost their past five meetings with the Rabbitohs, including a 30-12 loss at Homebush back in Round 16.
Papali’i was even more cryptic about whether he would honour his Tigers deal. While disappointed Tigers coach Michael Maguire had been axed, Papali’i said he would wait until season’s end to make a call, then spoke of his excitement at working with Tigers’ trio Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
We need to make it clear. You don’t honour your contract, you don’t play for 3 year. Simple. So there is nothing for him to think about it.
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I'm glad IP wants to wait until the offseason to turn up to Tigers training - exactly what is expected of him.
We need to make it clear. You don’t honour your contract, you don’t play for 3 year. Simple. So there is nothing for him to think about it.
Unfortunately the club is weak and I believe they will cave, if push comes to shove, and let Papali’i go elsewhere if he wants. This has always been the Wests Tigers way and recent events have done nothing to change my opinion.
We need to make it clear. You don’t honour your contract, you don’t play for 3 year. Simple. So there is nothing for him to think about it.
Unfortunately the club is weak and I believe they will cave, if push comes to shove, and let Papali’i go elsewhere if he wants. This has always been the Wests Tigers way and recent events have done nothing to change my opinion.
WT should stand their ground unless suitable compensation is provided. If that doesn't happen then the NRL should back WT to the hilt.
We need to make it clear. You don’t honour your contract, you don’t play for 3 year. Simple. So there is nothing for him to think about it.
Unfortunately the club is weak and I believe they will cave, if push comes to shove, and let Papali’i go elsewhere if he wants. This has always been the Wests Tigers way and recent events have done nothing to change my opinion.
WT should stand their ground unless suitable compensation is provided. If that doesn't happen then the NRL should back WT to the hilt.
I’d accept $1m as compensation, nothing less and make it public.
Personally, I think he is coming but just basking in the media attention.
Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis insists he is confident Parramatta star Isaiah Papali'i will honour his contract with the joint-venture NRL club.
Papali'i signed a three-year deal with the Tigers last November, joining Penrith hooker Apisai Koroisau as the club's big recruits for next season.
However reports emerged in July that Papali'i was considering going back on the move, with his New Zealand national team coach Michael Maguire having been axed by the Tigers.
Given the chance to clarify his position on Monday, Papali'i instead claimed he would wait until the end of the season before talking with the Tigers about the issue.
Hagipantelis said on Tuesday that he would meet with Papali'i management to clarify the comments, but was adamant the backrower would still be at Concord in 2023.
"We have a contract. It's in black and white and has been signed by both parties and we're very comfortable with where we sit," Hagipantelis told SEN.
"I don't put a lot of stock (to what he was saying) being anti-Wests Tigers or anti-contractual obligation.
"I don't want to read into his comments and create any angst between the club and the player.
"It's well known that we enjoy a contractual relationship with Isaiah and we very much look forward to welcoming him to the club in 2023."
If Papali'i were to attempt to back out of the deal, it would come as a big blow to the Tigers and the coaching duo of Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall.
Papali'i is one of the game's best backrowers, and the club have let go of edge forwards Luciano Leilua, Luke Garner and Kelma Tualagi in the past 12 months.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-league/tigers-confident-papalii-will-still-join-c-7809844.amp
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I wish Lee would not use the word 'confident'. That's implying Papali'i has a choice.
I wish Lee would not use the word 'confident'. That's implying Papali'i has a choice.
Lawyer talk
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Rumour from SEN that teh other back rower will be Frizzell in a swap with Brooks.
A Frizell (at the right price) & Papalii back row with Joffa & Hastings at lock works for me.
Rumour from SEN that teh other back rower will be Frizzell in a swap with Brooks.
A Frizell (at the right price) & Papalii back row with Joffa & Hastings at lock works for me.
I’m on board
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