- 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 think there is a chance that Davis becomes a better player than Bamblett. I am a little bit of Bamblett due to his recent performances but a large factor is he has been playing 6 rather than 1. I hate him at 6.
No offence EA but everytime ive watched Twidle he just oozes class. Another one of these "not consistent" or "not ready" players. I'll tell you who hasn't been consistent in 1st grade for 7 or 8 seasons now, Brian Kelly. What have we got to lose than giving our juniors a crack rather than buying other clubs junk like Morgan Harper, Brian Kelly and Jonah Pezet. Last year Ryles cleaned the club out and gave opportunities to guys like Iongi, Papali, Kit Kat, Tuivati, Guymer, Samrani and guess what, they all went pretty damn good. Probably more "ready" for 1st grade than everyone thought. I reckon we're going to regret this one
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.
I thought he showed more than Apa did Mace...it was just less highlight-reel-ey
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
Though where is that. Logically for Twidle, 5/8 was his only option. For some reason it seems the club only saw him as a Fullback. Lorenzo and Fletcher are our future at 5/8. Maybe Bamblett and Rasati as well who knows.
I would have loved to have kept Twidle, but at the same time Perth offered 3 years, with the way their squad is he would be playing a lot of FG and would be playing Fullback at some point too and they would have given him some good coin. All i can say as a positive is he will be a Supercoach cheapie next year for sure.
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