- 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
I wonder if the Penrith recruitment guys lost their jobs after Iongi signed with us?
I'd say the four consecutive premierships may have softened the blow. Who'd have thought that success would help people retain their jobs... 🤷♂️
Developing juniors to be good FG players and then not retaining them due to tight arse offers is the pinnacle of the club's stupidity. MON and the FO financial pushers are solely responsible for this bungle. Twidle had shown what he can do and out ahole R&R is not showing him respect by low balling him. If he goes, let's make sure that MON and his team goes as well. FMD!
What if, here me out here, Ryles didn't want him? Is that MON's fault? Not denying MON has had blunders but what if Ryles preferred to go elsewhere>
Thanks LB, HOWEVER, Unless there is an inside info about that, we will be speculating. What just irks me is that we have developed Twidle, spent time and effort to at least his current performance level and some other team will just benefit from it. What I am saying is that are there no any other position that might suit him?. It seems the club does not really value him by offering an $80K contract. He might have his lapses and deficiencies but at least he had shown in lower grades, pre-season and short stint in FG what he can do. Had he reached his ceiling in development? But as you said, we don't how the club officials long tem plan. Just hope it does not bite us again.
Imagine how Panthers have been feeling for the past 5 years lol
Pretty good with their 4 premierships I'd say
Well how do we know MON was the main reason for him going? If Ryles really wanted to keep Twidle he would have said to MON to keep him. Therefore a proper deal could have been done earlier.
You said MON should go, what if Ryles was the one who didn't really want him or didn't value him at a deal that Perth offered, which in this case would be a lot more than any other club out of desperation to sign talent.
Oh god here we go. Here comes the weekly MON receipt take.
Twidle is a talent but at the same time his best position seems to be Fullback. He is also 22 so he is in no position to wait any longer. With two new teams in the market come November, this is bound to happen.
Good luck to him but are we willing to let Iongi go? Also, EA could add to this, Bamblett could arguably be a better talent we have in the lower grades. So he's the one we should invest in more.
LB I don't think God is going to help some on here and those that have a different opinion to our way of thinking. Their entitled to those opinions hey . Just different to to what we think and that's just my humble opinion
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