Parramatta back-rower Isaiah Papali'i remains enthusiastic about his impending move to the Wests Tigers despite the club's tumultuous season on and off the field.
One of the reigning Dally M Second Rowers of the Year, Papali'i signed a three-year contract with the Tigers before the season began and will join the side in 2023.
He'll arrive at a club hoping to atone for another disappointing season and attempting to do so with a new head coach, who is still to be named.
"It's a massive challenge. There's no hiding that," he said.
"But to be able to be a part of something, starting from the ground up, is something that I'll be proud of."
The Tigers will hope the arrivals of Papali'i and dual premiership-winning hooker Api Koroisau can help to instil a winning culture at the club, which has not played finals football since 2011.
"I've got to soak in as much as I can while I'm here," Papali'i said.
"Parra is a good club and they have a lot to offer so I want to make sure that I'm not just learning on the field but also off it, so I can take that elsewhere when I do jump in that Tigers system.
"I want to make sure that I look after myself first and then hopefully have people around me (at the Tigers) who will jump on the same boat."
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Well that’s refreshing to hear, both he and Api have nothing but positive vibes about coming to the WestsTigers next year.
These two are players that compete on every play, something we currently lack.
These two are players that compete on every play, something we currently lack.
So true.
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