The Isaiah Papali’i backflip crisis is officially over, with the Kiwi star assuring the Tigers that he will join them next season.
Rumours swept the game in the past 48 hours that Papali’i wanted out of his rich Tigers contract, preferring to stay at the Eels.
READ MORE: Barty addresses career amid Wimbledon snub
READ MORE: Truth behind Blues’ enforcer’s Origin snub
READ MORE: DCE’s career-defining Origin shot as dethroning looms
But the Tigers spoke to Papali’i yesterday and he assured the club that he would honour his deal.
Papali’i had told Parramatta teammates he was having second thoughts about the switch following the sacking of Michael Maguire – the man who signed him to the Tigers.
But the Tigers reassured Papali’i that he would be well looked after by the new coach – expected to be veteran Tim Sheens – in 2023.
“We spoke to the player and he is fine – there is no way he is not coming,” a Tigers source told Wide World of Sports.
Watch State of Origin exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now.
“He is a man of his honour and he has signed a good contract with us – he is happy to be coming.”
Meanwhile, despite rumours to the contrary, Sheens has not agreed to coach the Tigers in 2023 – yet.
There are still a few hurdles to be overcome but Sheens is expected to take the job.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!