Eels star plotting stunning $1.9m backflip after Madge axing as Tigers nightmare deepens

Eels star backrower Isaiah Papali’i reportedly wants to backflip on his $1.9 million deal to join the struggling Wests Tigers next season.

Isaiah Papali'i could backflip on the Tigers.

Eels star backrower Isaiah Papali’i reportedly wants to backflip on his $1.9 million deal to join the struggling Wests Tigers next season.

Papali’i has signed a three-year deal with the Tigers from 2023 but he put pen to paper when Michael Maguire was the coach.

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Maguire was sacked last month and the club is yet to give any indication as to who will replace him long term.

Papali’i is close with Maguire and reunited with the New Zealand coach in Test camp last week.

The 23-year-old was named the 2021 Dally M Second Rower of the Year last season following a breakout NRL campaign.

Isaiah Papali'i could backflip on the Tigers. Getty

Tim Sheens is being tipped to take over as coach at the Tigers but Papali’i is telling those close to him he wants to stay at Parramatta, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Papali’i has not requested an official release yet but the Eels are aware of the situation and have the salary cap space to retain him.

The gun forward made his debut at the Warriors in 2017 before joining Parramatta last season.

Papali’i has played internationally for both Samoa and New Zealand.

Originally published as Eels star plotting stunning $1.9m backflip after Madge axing as Tigers nightmare deepens