- 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
They rate Lorenzo higher than Twidle at 6, Iongi is the long term fullback. Bears have given him the 6 position so do the dolphins that's why he went, nothing to do with money
isnt tago on a nsw cup contract?
He's top 30
Apa played one game and scored two tries when the Tigers were down a man, did this moment of hype blow up his value? I wonder if it could backfire on the bears because he isn't quite ready. But then again, he is killing it in Cup.
Sad to see we lowballed him because he's our 3rd string Fullback which made him look elsewhere. Don't blame him.
Scared he won't be the last :(
development deals dont mean much.
Show our keepers the money and fast!
While I want O'Niel sacked but this is not one of the reasons we should.
It makes 0 sense for Apa to stay. His path to FG is blocked at eels. His best position is fullback and he is 3rd choice at the club and Bamblett and Davis are coming through the ranks. JR said it himself, he is still inconsistent with his performances. Everyone is creaming themselves because of a 20min performance on the wing where he had a couple of good put downs.
Yep, im hoping we keep Bamblet. He's probably why we didn't offer Twidle anything
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
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.
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?
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