The embattled Wests Tigers have been forced to meet with 2023 star recruit Isaiah Papali’i after reports emerged he was poised to pull out of the contract.
The Kiwi backrower signed a three-year deal to move from Parramatta to Concord next season, reportedly worth upwards of $1.8 million in total.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Papali’i has been “having second thoughts” about joining the team that hasn’t played NRL finals in a decade.
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The Tigers sacked Michael Maguire as coach mid-season. That puts the futures of assistant coaches Nathan Cayless and Ben Gardiner in doubt.
Papali’i worked with both Gardiner and Cayless in New Zealand camp, and is reportedly concerned they could leave before he gets to the Tigers.
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In the wake of rumours claiming the Eels star was considering withdrawing, the Tigers brought him to Concord and gave him a tour of the new centre of excellence – which is still under construction – according to the Herald.
A Tigers official told the Herald they expect Papali’i to join the club next season as agreed.
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