- 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
Absolutely, well said Coryn & Bluey, unfortunately this is an area of concern based on recent retention, but if Ryles & the club are investing in Lorenzo / Bamblett / Fletcher etc… 100% back it.
But, it now becomes imperative we keep them - and they become the better decision. We cant afford another situation like our current 5/8th one.
Like with Blaize leaving, this to me is disappointing, Twiddle looked like he has ’something', the way he handled himself in that 20mins under high pressure, out of position, and with moving combinations due to injury - imo was impressive.
But as long as its strategic, fair enough.
Plenty of young players have to move clubs to be successful and is part of the game. It isn't until a club doesn't offer a contract or value they think they are worth, that it is the kick up the area they need to refocus and reach potential. For others it just maturing and getting wiser with age regarding training habits so it isn't always a poor R&R decision when letting a player leave. The player just wasn't ready.
After being told they will be a champion player for years many young players believe the hype, some take short cuts and others start making poor decisions on the field thinking they need to win the game for the team. Either way getting out of their comfort zone into a new environment helps them mature off and on the field. I think that is part of what made melbourne so successful. Development players may live in Melbourne but play Qld cup. Then they are told to move to Qld for a period to develop further before returning to Melbourne. It is the change of environment and kick up the arse some players need to get out of their comfort zone.
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I think the fact that he has only played 1 part NRL game at 22 years old, and has moved around position in lower grades suggest that the coaching staff don't see him as a lock-in for any key position other than fullback, which we have sorted now. That puts him in the utility class, and frankly Papalii is probably more versatile there (also slightly younger).
I have no doubt in my mind if JR wanted to keep twidle the mentioned would still be here I have no doubt about that.Whatever junior that has been extended and that goes for any player from inside or outside the club will be rubber stamped by the coach imo r & r will have very little to do with it imo.Thats how I'm seeing this JR is the driving force when it comes to the footy vision at Parra I've got zero qualms or doubts about that.
With regards to retaining juniors from what I've been told Nathan Brown also has a big input in this space also.
All very true words.
However if history is of any indication, this club don't do well in indentifying and retaining good talent.
This is what has most of those who don't like losing juniors the most concerned.
Are we going all in on the wrong players like we have done a lot of in the last 40 years?
Hopefully, our pathways identification is a whole lot better now.
Whilst I completely agree with everything you've said here, we also have to put ourselves into positions where we can blood these sort of players and actually see what they're really made of. Sometimes unique players like this just blossom in 1st grade for whatever reason. They're better playing against and with better players. We are losing players because they're not getting opportunities
Yep Coryn and to be whilst Twiddle is someone that would be valuable to Eels. He is a luxary and not a need to me. There are better talents in my eyes that we must retain first.
Shame, but not surprising with a new club throwing around big money.
I would've liked to see him get a shot on the wing, but realistically if he sees his future as a fullback/No6 he needs to move.
Considering at Parra he's behind Joash and Isaiah for fullback and in the halves the Fletcher / Lorenzo writing is already on the wall with Ronnie Volkman now being ahead of him as a back up, an offer for 3 years from the Bears is irresistable.
So we get rid of Iongi and play him 1?
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