Isaiah Papali'i set to honour his contract but Wests Tigers could LOSE finals-starved star David Nofoaluma who has fallen in love with the Melbourne Storm
- Manager of Isaiah Papali'i told Tim Sheens his client will come across from Eels
- Tigers fans were nervous dynamic backrower may backflip on three-year deal
- Winger David Nofaaluma is 'loving' time in Melbourne, may stay with the Storm
- He is on loan until the end of the season, poised to play finals footy for first time
By
ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Isaiah Papali'i is poised to honour his
NRL deal with the Wests Tigers from next season - but they face an uphill task to keep winger David Nofoaluma, who is loving his time in
Melbourne.
Parramatta star Papali'i, 23, has inked a lucrative, three-year contract with the joint venture outfit, but has been non-committal about his future after Michael Maguire was sacked in June.
However in welcome news for long-suffering Tigers fans, the backrower's agent Dan O'Loughlin confirmed to incoming coach Tim Sheens this week his client will honour his deal at Concord, believed to be worth $1.9million.
The Tigers need the Kiwi international on their books if they are to rebuild and challenge for a top-eight spot from 2023 onwards.
The club has already released or failed to re-sign forwards Luciano Leilua [Cowboys], Luke Garner [Panthers] and Kelma Tuilagi [Sea Eag