- 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 he maybe called Nostradamus
What if Ryles is the one that said to MON he wants Lorenzo?
The main job of MON is to provide players for Ryles, if Ryles said he wants Lorenzo, MON will put attention into Lorenzo.
I agree that keeping Twiddle wasn't a priority. It is optically poor to lose him right after a highlight reel debut but it is what it is.
A clarification LB, the main job of MON is to make the Eels football successful, not to appease the Head Coach. MON and Ryles should have healthy disagreements. Two brains should be better than one.
I swear MONs role seems to get more and more diminished by the week. Soon he'll be doing his job if he just gets out of bed. Joking but also kinda not joking.
It's a joke that's funny 'cause it's true
Raptor your making a judgment on someone you don't know, correct me if I am wrong but your subjectivennss could be a reference to anyone regardless of stature.
There was a man called Clive Churchill known as the "little master" we had a half called Johnny Kolk, played atTest for Australia.....all people you would reject in a line up! everyone has a have a in chance life, regardless of skin colour race or religion....but still rejecting pyscopaths, KKC and Nazi's.....I know you would never endorse such people on here!
Well, Lorenzo T is not Olsen Filipaina, but if you watch his highlights, there is one thing that stands out. And it is NOT just the speed and evasiveness of his running game. It is how late into the line he digs in his passing game. Which I believe is #1 in the list of what you want from your 5/8 in attack?
Lorenzo 2025 highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJAiFPGlLUY
What happens with Lorenzo T is of course yet to be determined, but it makes sense why many of those who watch the lower grades have big wraps on him?
Spot on Super. From what i've seen and heard, The Bears don't have a capable football department running the show (apparently he's an ex cop) so making decisions like this is on the cards as they're looking to build depth through swinging and hoping for the best.
I wouldn't be too confident in Mal Meninga as the coach at all.
ben gardiner will do most of the coaching similar to hagan with mal in origin, hes more of a manager
He is a fair way down the pecking order and you can't keep them all. Players come and go
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