The Eels have lost Isaiah Papali’i for 2023 – but the news could have been worse for Parramatta. Often when a player signs 12 months ahead of time, his new club tries to persuade him to leave a year early and switch clubs the next season.
But that won’t be happening in this case – the Tigers are more than happy to see Papali’i – one of the big improvers of 2021 – stay in the blue and gold next season to see out his contract.
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“It wasn’t even discussed during negotiations,” new Tigers supremo Tim Sheens told Wide World of Sports.
“We are building towards 2023 and that is when Isaiah will be joining us – not before.”
Sheens paid tribute to Tigers’ new recruitment manager Warren McDonnell for the big-name signing. McDonnell has returned to the club despite criticism from some fans over his role in years gone by.
“Warren was instrumental in us clinching the deal,” Sheens said.
The Eels are reeling with Papali’i following hot on the heels of fellow forward Marata Niukore, who signed with the Warriors for 2023.
But on the positive side, their departures increases the club’s hopes of re-signing key players including Junior Paulo, Reed Mahoney, and Clint Gutherson beyond next year.
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