Isaiah Papali’i #265

GNR4LIFE said:
Don’t stress fellas. We’ll get the monetary compensation. Pascoe will make it clear we won’t get walked over.
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That's exactly how I see it happening. Although I think Lee will use it as an opportunity to inflate his ego some more and make up some crap about the contract being binding a couple of weeks before we release him.
 
Wests Tigers star recruit Isaiah Papali’i is having cold feet about joining the club next season in the wake of Michael Maguire’s axing.

The Eels back-rower has been billed as a club changing signature for the struggling Tigers after Papali’i agreed to a three year deal worth about $1.9million last November.

But Papali’i has told those close to him he is now having second thoughts about making the move and would like to remain at the Eels.

Papali’i was close with Maguire and reunited with the former Tigers coach in the Kiwis camp last week.

Uncertainty over who will coach the Tigers has led to Papali’i growing increasing apprehensive about making the move.

While Tim Sheens is expected to take over as head coach, it’s uncertain whether that will be enough to satisfy Papali’i.

The Wests Tigers were contacted by The Daily Telegraph last month about Papali’i’s concerns. They said in their most recent dialogue he had remained committed to the club.

Papali’i does have a relationship with Tigers assistant coaches Ben Gardiner and Nathan Cayless from time spent working together within the Kiwis squad.

No official release has been requested by Papali’i, but he has made it clear to friends and family that he is loath to join the Tigers.

The Eels are also aware and have the salary cap space to retain him.

The Tigers will feel frustrated by the issue going public, but it is one that has been developing for several months.

The Tigers will rightfully stand their ground on the deal.

A player-swap from Parramatta could develop into a potential solution.

In February, Papali’i and fellow departing Eel Marata Niukore defended the NRL’s current transfer system that allowed them to sign with rivals 12 months out.

The Tigers can’t afford to entertain releasing Papali’i after losing a host back-rowers including Luke Garner (Penrith), Luciano Leilua (Cowboys) and Kelma Tuilagi (Manly).

The Tigers are banking on Papali’i and NSW hooker Api Koroisau to help turn the club’s fortunes around next season.

The reigning Dally M has played 102 top grade games since making his debut for the Warriors in 2017. He has established himself as one of the game’s most damaging forwards after joining the Eels on a cut-price deal last season.
 
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batboy said:
Biggest issue will be that no one will do anything because "He's under contract" It will be fine...

Instead of getting to the kid and talking him through it, We'll ignore it like it's not an issue - Until he's gone.
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Sounds about right. And if they send anyone to talk to him, Lee will insist on doing it himself and push him even further away.
 
I can see it already. We loose Paps and get Nathan Brown in return.
 
If we roll over on this one and let him go back to Parra, that will just about do me. What's the point of this place existing. Hold your ground WTs management, make him stay even if it pisses him off. He signed acontract and he should be made to honour it.
 
If he does backflip, it would prove he has the IQ of a bag of rocks. He wasn’t aware that we were a basket case before hand?
 
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