Barnstorming Eels back-rower Isaiah Papali’i looks set to knock back a massive approach from the new Dolphins franchise for 2023, leaving his future a two-horse race.
Papali’i’s manager Daniel O’Loughlin has told Wide World of Sports that the much-improved forward doesn’t want to leave Sydney.
That reduces his options to staying at Parramatta or accepting a big offer from Wests Tigers.
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“Isaiah is settled in Sydney with his family and prefers to stay here,” O’Loughlin said.
“The Tigers are very keen but he also feels a loyalty to Parramatta so will probably give them the last say.
“I think they are meeting this week so we will see what they come up with.”
Papali’i was one of the big improvers of 2021, helping the Eels into the top four with his aggressive forward play in attack and defence.
His ability to play both middle and edge forward adds to his value and the tough forward has been in hot demand.
Papali’i finished 2021 third in the NRL for post-contact metres and should only get better in coming years.
The Eels are desperate to keep him but also have several big names off contract including skipper Clint Gutherson, hooker Reed Mahoney and prop Junior Paulo.
Roosters legend enters politics
Russell Fairfax was the king of the teeny-boppers nearly half a century ago, bringing a touch of Beatle-mania to rugby league.
The Roosters fullback was something of a footballing rebel, refusing to cut his blonde locks – even though it resulted him getting barred from Easts Leagues Club when the Roosters won the premiership in 1974.
Thousands of youngsters in Sydney’s east worshipped the flashy fullback, and ‘Fairy’ will be hoping they have long memories.
The former Wallaby – who has successfully beaten a brain tumour in recent years – is running as an Independent in the upcoming local government elections. Fairfax already has a pretty good idea of the ruthless nature of politics through his experiences in sport.
A few years ago he told me “The Roosters sacked me as a player, sacked me as a coach … and then made me a life member.”
Broncos sign rising star
Boom young winger Ethan Quai-Ward has signed a fulltime deal with the Broncos for 2022.
One of the standout players in his debut season of the Queensland Cup this year, Quai-Ward scored a host of tries for Souths Logan Magpies.
The 21-year-old hails from Brisbane but has travelled around, spending time with both the Roosters and Rabbitohs in their junior systems.
Strong and fast, he will be one of several contenders for the wing spot vacated by Xavier Coates following his move to the Storm.
Quai-Ward can also play in the centres and may get a chance there in the pre-season trials.
Prodigy shines in two sports
A couple of months ago, I revealed the story here of Ryley Smith – a fine all-round sportsman who achieved what no one has done in 40 years – winning Australian selection at schoolboy level in both rugby league and cricket.
Smith’s story took another twist last weekend when the 18-year-old notched his maiden first grade century for Penrith in the Sydney grade competition.
He joins a list of youngest players to score a ton in the comp that includes Mark and Steve Waugh, Doug Walters, Arthur Morris and Bob Simpson.
A hard-hitting number three batsman, Smith is also a talented hooker and will soon put away the whites to prepare for the 2022 league season with the Panthers.
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