- Rising Apa Twidle will leave the Parramatta Eels at the end of 2026 after agreeing to a three-year deal with the new Perth Bears (joining in 2027).
- The deal is in a cooling-off period, but he’s expected to go ahead with it because the offer is significantly better.
- Twidle burst onto the scene with a standout debut (2 tries in 3 minutes), which attracted strong interest from multiple clubs.
- Parramatta reportedly only offered a low-value development contract (~$80k), while Perth provided better financial security and opportunity.
- A key factor: the Bears are offering him a chance to play in the halves, rather than being used as a utility/backline option.
- He becomes one of the early signings helping build the Bears’ inaugural squad under coach Mal Meninga.
Bottom line:
Parramatta unearthed a serious talent, but underpaid and under-positioned him—Perth stepped in with money, role clarity, and long-term security, and likely pinched him.
Replies
But where do you play him AE? Iongi is our Fullback, his defence is not good enough for 6.
I think the club would consider Bamblett a better talent to invest in.
Hearing too much talk around poor defence or 'not ready' for any young kid with potential. Apa is 21. Plenty of 19/20 year olds doing well at the moment in NRL. Ryles should have given him shot at no.6.
Surely he's no worst in defence than Pezet, or half our team for that matter. Let's go sign another washed up outside back.
If I was Lorenzo, I'd piss off too if Bears or PNG come knocking.
Anywhere. You find a spot for that sort of talent. If he doesn't work out you move them on but you've got to give them a chance 1st.
Exactly! Hope Nanva is not next. He showed enough and he is unsigned I believe.
Though to some here EA, no such thing as blocked path.
That's just it right there LB. A lot of these young players want to make it to 1st grade. The number on their back is usually irrelevant. There was absolutely no plan I can see to get Twidle a fair shot at 1st grade other than if we get 3 acl's, 2 suspensions, 5 hamstring injuries and we're going to buy and inconsistent fringe 1st grader in Brian Kelly that you're going to have get over the top of. Look at Melbourne and the way they've brought through players like Papenhausen, Faalogo, Munster, Hynes, Hughes etc etc. they're not pigeon holed into set positions. They've played centre, bench utility, lock, hooker, fullback, halfback. You just find a way to get them in there
EA, is this the case of Sanders and Talagi happening again? If we are that good in developing players, why are we not in the top 8 at least. We spend money, time and effort in developing them but in the end, other teams are getting the benefit from it. There is something wrong in the way to sell our plans to these junior players. Hopefully, it can be remedied and retain them. Panthers are able to do it someway.
EA, would you consider Bamblett a chance of FG this year? He's straight into 6 role in Flegg and is a great talent, but you did say he seems to be an individual type player?
Throwing big 3 year deals at 3rd string fullbacks or 5/8s is how you ruin your cap.
Great attacking player with big defensive flaws and still a lot of erratic play. Sad to see him go but Lorenzo and Bamblet are higher potential and seen as worth investing in more.
Bears apparently have Toby Sexton @ 7. But at FB they have Meaney and @6 they have Tyran Wishart. If Twidle wants 1 or 6 his path is competing with utility players, and maybe he thinks he has a better shot at FG at Bears vs Iongi in his path to FB and Papalii or Lorenzo in the mix for 6?
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