NRL transfer news: Manly re-sign Dylan Walker after Covid jab, Wests Tigers snare Isaiah Papalii

Manly has locked down dynamic utility Dylan Walker to a new deal - as the controversial star made a big call on his Covid-19 vaccine stance.

Manly utility Dylan Walker has become the latest reluctant NRL star to receive the Covid vaccine.

And to celebrate his jab, Walker has signed a new one-year deal with the Sea Eagles worth around $350,000.

Walker was one of a dozen NRL players still resisting inoculation as the 2022 pre-season ramps up.

While Manly hadn’t attempted to coerce Walker into being jabbed, there was a quiet feeling at the club that he should be vaccinated in order to receive a new deal.

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Dylan Walker has earned a new one-year deal at Manly – and had the Covid-19 vaccination. Picture: Getty

Walker would have missed three games next season by remaining unvaccinated – a Round 10 game against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium,Round 12 against Melbourne at AAMI Park and Round 22 against Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium.

Sources close to Manly confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Walker had been fully jabbed and was ready to return to off-season training.

Friends of Walker claim the player was aware his contract extension could be at risk by not receiving the jab, while others maintained he isn’t an anti-vaxxer.

Walker had mentioned previous medical issues when discussing vaccinations and did seek medical advice before taking the jab.

Walker finished the season in hot form following a move to the forwards.

The former South Sydney star reinvented his game this year by successfully shifting into a roving role during Manly’s chargeinto the top four.

“Dylan is a very experienced player. His re-signing was a high priority for us,” Manly coach Des Hasler said.

“The ability to be able to play several positions in the game today is vital and Dylan plays an extremely important role withinthe team.”

In a club statement – which did not broach the vaccination issue – Walker was excited and relieved to have secured a new contract.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Manly and the club has been very supportive of me,’’ Walker said.

“I can’t wait to return to training with my teammates in the next few weeks to further build on the strong platform we laid this season.

“There is an air of excitement about what we can achieve next year.”

Dylan Walker celebrates with Manly teammates. Picture: Getty

Since joining Manly back in 2016, Walker has played more than 100 games with the Sea Eagles.

Manly are $2.60 outsiders against premiers Penrith ($1.50) in round one next season at BlueBet Stadium, according to TAB.

Hasler’s team sits on the fourth line of premiership betting paying $8.50 to win the grand final.

Massive Eels blow as Tigers poach star forward

By Michael Carayannis and Brent Read

Parramatta have lost their second star back-rower in as many weeks with the Wests Tigers landing a crucial blow by adding Eels strike player Isaiah Papali’i on a big money three-year deal.

The Eels have now lost Marata Niukore and Papali’i in successive weeks after Niukore opted to join the Warriors.

The Eels were blown out of the water by their rivals with both players commanding more than $600,000 to make the move.

Parramatta Eels back-rower Isaiah Papali'i. Picture: NRL Photos

Papali’i was a revelation this year after joining the Eels on a cut-price deal after being cast aside from the Warriors.

He will remain at the Eels in 2022 before joining the Tigers in 2023. It is a huge coup for the Wests Tigers under new head of football Tim Sheens.

It is Sheens’ first significant signing under his watch.

The Eels confirmed Papali’i’s exit on Thursday.

“The club worked with Isaiah and his management team to remain with the club beyond his current contract including a significant upgrade for 2022, however he has chosen to take up an offer with another club,” the Eels said in a statement.

“Isaiah made a terrific contribution and has provided great value to the club in 2021 and both Isaiah and the club are committed to another strong year in the blue and gold in 2022.”