- 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 can see Twiddle being a 6 but definitely not a 7. I can see him being a good FG but again, how do you expect us to convince him to stay?
I'm dumbfounded our R&R hasn't identified his all round talent. Mystified as well. That leads to unders in any offer and they'll regret it one day. I think, as our most knowlegable expert on our juniors EA, you are wrong for once in your assessment on Apa which has you travelling at 99% currently in talent scouting. Still we'll find out next year who's right and one of us can remind the other on the outcome. With good grace of course.
I agree RJ. I reckon we're going to regret this one.
I have been wrong before lol.
I thought MA would be much better than what his career is right now. I thought Alamadine would be a much better winger but I feel he has made minimal progression since we won SG ball in 2023. Ethyn Martin, I got no idea where he is now.
So yeah I do get stuff wrong but thats expected cannot have a 100% record predicting a players career path as some just dont kick on.
Also I am not saying Apa isnt talented. I believe he deserves a top 30 contract and can be a good FG player. What I believe is that I understand why he is leaving because for us to really compete for him to stay, we needd to view him as a first choice player in the 1 or 6. He is not better than Iongi to me and I rate Lorenzo more than him as a 6. Even if you believe he could be a 7, Moses is here till 2029. So unfortunately you have to let him go and back the pathways to continue developing players (i.e. Bamblett, Davis, Risati) consistently.
What can I say but good luck to the kid. I loved his 20 minute cameo in a game that it was raining fire and brimstone.
I think he could have done a job for us on the wing or centre since Rusty is leaving.
We can't keep everyone. Even if they blow up, we can't keep everyone.
We got Iongi and Hopgood from Penrith. Penrith at their pinnacle. They still let guys of that quality go.
We have plenty of outside backs and halves coming through. Even Papalii is maybe blocked here but his utility even at 9 makes him more valuable.
The on player at the moment that is a priority keep is Tuivati.
I do want MON sacked but holy if we lose Tuivita, Lorenzo, Fletcher, Petrus, Popo, Koina, Polley, Bell, Seuseu, Sorovi, Bloomfield, Talagi then I am going to flip.
I know that if you were to lose any of those names you'd be upset EA, much like i am with Apa.
Have you noticed Harley Walker and Kade Moujalli in Flegg lately.
I dont rate Moujalii that high. Walker could be a decent centre. Strong running game.
Is Lorenzo the real real ? How is his defence? What is a player he reminds you of?
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