- 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
Nah he is worth more than 80k. He is better than a development contract. He deserves a top 30 contract to be the back up fullback at a club. I do not think he is a starter in any position for any club.
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?
Nah he is no chance of FG this year. Maybe cup towards the end of the year. But this is only if they let him go back to fullback. He is not a 6 what so ever. I feel he looks more like an individual type player than normal now due to him being an out and out fulllback playing at 6.
MON is ass, but i agree this wasn't his fault same with the Blaize one just simillar situations i guess.
Why are you being sensible though when you can ragebait EA?
I agree btw. This is alright and good for all parties. We have heaps of interesting backs coming through (Davis, Bamblett, Seuseu, Bloomfield, Martin) that can all play fullback. Pretty sure Risati played some FB too.
And Iongi is only 23 and Papalii 22.
What exactly is Twidle supposed to do here other than maybe play wing?
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.
People dont see the poor parts in his game because they focus only on the upside.
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?
He will be the 6
Wishart was rumoured to have signed to play Hooker.
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