NRL 2022: Parramatta Eels’ Isaiah Papali’i no certainty at Wests Tigers, refusing to commit to a three-year deal

Eels backrower Isaiah Papali’i is focused on helping Parramatta try to end their premiership drought before confirming if he will fulfil a rich deal at Wests Tigers next season.

Parramatta star Isaiah Papali’i has refused to publicly commit to the Wests Tigers declaring the matter won’t be settled until after the season.

Papali’i agreed to join the Concord club on a three-year deal worth $1.9 million from 2023 before Micheal Maguire was sacked as coach in June.

It’s believed the in-form backrower has since had a change of heart and is open to staying put at the Eels.

“I have a season to finish off and I can worry about all that after,” Papali’i said. “(My thinking) is on the now because we do have a massive opportunity here, I just want to make sure I put my best foot forward for the season because I definitely believe this team can go all the way.

“That’s what my focus has been lately … keeping the outside noise outside and keeping my circle tight.”

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Parramatta's Isaiah Papali'i has signed with the Tigers, but is yet to actually commit to the deal. Picture: NRL Imagery.

While Papali’i has not yet requested an official release from the Tigers deal, it’s believed the Eels are monitoring the situation and have the salary cap space to accommodate the New Zealand international beyond this season.

To avoid a stand-off, the Tigers met with Papali’i not long after Maguire was axed in a bid to smooth over concerns the 23-year old had about heading to Concord.

One of those concerns is believed to be about the direction the Tigers heading after missing out on Cameron Ciraldo as head coach.

Pressed on the nature of the concerns, Papali’i said: “I have been focusing on my team at the moment. All that stuff is up to the Tigers to sort out and when it does come time to have that talk then we will definitely have that talk behind the scenes.”

Tim Sheens, who led the Wests Tigers to their first title in 2005, has been handed the reins next year before Benji Marshall takes over in 2025.

Getting Papali’i to commit to the Tigers will be the first real test of Marshall’s pulling power as a coach. But the club legend could still emerge as an ace in the Wests Tigers’ sleeve in their efforts to keep Papali’i.

The Tigers are hoping the allure of playing under Benji Marshall in the future will help convince Papali’i to honour his deal. Picture: David Swift.

“He did contact me about the coaching role, it was really cool to hear as a mate but also as a Kiwi kid, understanding how much of a role model he was for our country. I’m sure he’ll do an awesome job and I can’t wait to see what he will do in that role,” Papali’i said.

Parramatta teammates have been doing their best to convince Papali’i to stay at the Eels with his close friend and roommate Dylan Brown leading the charge.

“Of course I’ve been into him about staying. I’m sure he wants to stay … actually, I’m pretty sure he does want to stay,” Brown said.

“If he can come back, I’ll give him some of my money if I have to.

“I bet you the whole team, the whole club is regretting letting other clubs sniff around because we really want him to stay here.”

The loss of Papali’i is set to put a dent in coach Brad Arthur’s forward stocks with Marata Niukore to join the Warriors next season.

The Eels now have the salary cap space to keep Papali’i if he is able to secure a release from his Tigers deal. Picture: NRL Imagery.

“He’s the best second rower in the competition. We’d love him to stay but I don’t know what the rules are with him coming back … and business is business,” Brown said.

Brown is contracted at the Eels until the end of season 2023 but the five-eighth is free to field offers from rivals from November 1.

It’s understood Brown is a retention priority but the 22-year old revealed he has personally not had any extension talks with the Eels.

“For me, my entire career I have taken the same approach. I have wanted to wait until the end of the year, play my footy and let my footy do the talking. I don’t like to do any kind of contract stuff during the year,” Brown said.

Parramatta knows that and my manager would have communicated to them to leave me alone until the season is done.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Parramatta Eels’ Isaiah Papali’i no certainty at Wests Tigers, refusing to commit to a three-year deal