Benji Marshall has revealed the context of his SOS call to star recruit Isaiah Papali’i, who is refusing to quell Wests Tigers’ fears that he wants out of his $1.9 million contract.
Meanwhile, Papali’i’s high-profile Eels teammate Mitchell Moses has admitted he hasn’t given up hope that the Kiwi International will remain in blue and gold.
As first revealed by The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, Papali’i has cold feet about linking with the Tigers next year, with his priority to stay at Parramatta.
After a starring performance against the Warriors on Friday night, Papali’i had the chance to kill the issue.
But he didn’t.
“For me, I’m pretty focused on this season that I have here and what I can offer the Eels so I want to make sure that I finish this season strong, and I’ll worry about that when it comes to it,” Papali’i said.
“I have no comment on that stuff. It’s not my focus at the moment and I want to make sure that I put my best foot forward in the season that I have here.
“That’s playing week to week and worrying about my job.”
Papali’i was then asked if Tigers fans could relax knowing that he’d join the club in 2023.
“There’s nothing for me to say there and I just want to make sure that I can finish this season strong,” he said.
“Whatever happens, happens.”
The 23-year-old New Zealand international was quizzed on whether his bond with Marshall would be enough to sway him.
“He’s a good mate,” he said.
“Obviously I’ve been on some camps with him with the Kiwis. That’s all I have to say at the moment.”
As for Sheens taking over next year?
“That’s great for the club,” he said.
“Everyone was wondering who the coach would be, so knowing their plans going forward is something good for the club.”
The questions won’t go away for Papali’i until he gives definitive answers, so for now, he’s going into lockdown.
“I’ll keep my circle tight and make sure I’m performing week to week,” Papali’i said.
“I’ve got to stay away from social media because that’s the biggest thing that gets in your head for everyone. I’ve got to stay away from that, enjoy my footy and stay with my mates.”
Papali’i’s comments are of a different tone to what Marshall explained to The Sunday Telegraph.
Just hours after being appointed as the Wests Tigers long-term coach, Marshall was on the phone to Papali’i.
“Yeah, I called him,” Marshall said.
“I told him what was happening, I told him I was coaching. He said it was a breath of fresh air to hear that.”
Papali’i’s appetite to join the Tigers has been soured by the departure of axed Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire, who had coached the backrower for New Zealand.
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A key figure in Papali’i signing with the Wests Tigers was also former head of recruitment Adam Hartigan.
However, he has also been moved on from the last-placed club.
Papali’i has made it clear to his Parramatta teammates and coaching staff that he wants to stay in blue and gold.
It’s understood the Eels have salary cap space to retain the Kiwi International.
Interestingly, Moses also understood that there was a clear issue with Papali’i going to the Tigers when asked about his teammate’s predicament on Triple M on Saturday.
“Hopefully he stays with us,” Moses said.
“He’s a quality player. Where he has come from, the quality of stuff he does on the field, but off the field as well, he’s such a good person, which makes it even better.
“He’d be a big loss.’’
Asked if he had given up hope of keeping Papali’i, Moses replied: “Never. Hopefully he can stay.’’
Aware of their star recruit’s anxiety, the Wests Tigers recently took Papali’i on a guided tour of the club’s $75 million Centre of Excellence.
Tigers officials left the meeting confident Papali’i was committed to the club.
The Tigers are on firm legal ground to ensure the contract stands with Papali’i unable to tread down a path used by other disgruntled players in the past, who have broken a contract on the basis of compassionate grounds.
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