- 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
That's a very fair assessment there Coryin
Well Put Coryn.
I think a lot of people are expressing opinions based on not trusting R@R on making the right decision, or on Management unable to get a deal over the line for the ones they want to keep.
Knowing which is which as a memeber, fan, supporter is becoming more difficult.
If Ryles wanted to keep the kid then i'm pissed they couldn't find a way
If Ryles was happy to let him go as he ranks others more highly, then i'm fine with it.
In this instance by only offering him a development deal speaks volumes in how he is viewed by R&R.
R&R and Ryles future will tie directly into the making of these decisions.Are they good or will they come back to bite them like a Mahoney, Gallen, Keary, Tupou.
Absolutely, well said Coryn & Bluey, unfortunately this is an area of concern based on recent retention, but if Ryles & the club are investing in Lorenzo / Bamblett / Fletcher etc… 100% back it.
But, it now becomes imperative we keep them - and they become the better decision. We cant afford another situation like our current 5/8th one.
Like with Blaize leaving, this to me is disappointing, Twiddle looked like he has ’something', the way he handled himself in that 20mins under high pressure, out of position, and with moving combinations due to injury - imo was impressive.
But as long as its strategic, fair enough.
Plenty of young players have to move clubs to be successful and is part of the game. It isn't until a club doesn't offer a contract or value they think they are worth, that it is the kick up the area they need to refocus and reach potential. For others it just maturing and getting wiser with age regarding training habits so it isn't always a poor R&R decision when letting a player leave. The player just wasn't ready.
After being told they will be a champion player for years many young players believe the hype, some take short cuts and others start making poor decisions on the field thinking they need to win the game for the team. Either way getting out of their comfort zone into a new environment helps them mature off and on the field. I think that is part of what made melbourne so successful. Development players may live in Melbourne but play Qld cup. Then they are told to move to Qld for a period to develop further before returning to Melbourne. It is the change of environment and kick up the arse some players need to get out of their comfort zone.
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I think the fact that he has only played 1 part NRL game at 22 years old, and has moved around position in lower grades suggest that the coaching staff don't see him as a lock-in for any key position other than fullback, which we have sorted now. That puts him in the utility class, and frankly Papalii is probably more versatile there (also slightly younger).
All very true words.
However if history is of any indication, this club don't do well in indentifying and retaining good talent.
Shame, but not surprising with a new club throwing around big money.
I would've liked to see him get a shot on the wing, but realistically if he sees his future as a fullback/No6 he needs to move.
Considering at Parra he's behind Joash and Isaiah for fullback and in the halves the Fletcher / Lorenzo writing is already on the wall with Ronnie Volkman now being ahead of him as a back up, an offer for 3 years from the Bears is irresistable.
So we get rid of Iongi and play him 1?
If he is such a talent why didn't bulldogs match the bears offer. Why weren't other clubs looking at this generational talent. Didn't they see his 2 tries on the wing against a tigers defence missing a player. A lot of fans look at highlight reels and stats without watching off the ball efforts and other factors on and off the field.
The truth is we see very little in regards to salary cap management, training, attitude, off field personality, ability to follow game plans and how they learn defensive structures. Then there is relationships with other players and within the club as well as the agents with interest in maximising contract values now with little regard to long term future of the player or team performance. Agents collect their commission and if a player kicks on they win. If he fails they get the next young gun an inflated contract.
Will be a great player, we cannot afford to lock up $300k (assuming) for 3 years on a 3rd string fullback/ half. Has 2 players infront of him in both positions. Hope he is very successful at the Bears. Will be good to watch him develop in first grade.
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