- 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
If we keep the production line at nearly full capacity we can pick and choose as the pathway plan evolves.
Hopefully Apa goes well and gets a decent career going.
If he wasn't really in Ryles mid term plans then he is probably the similar to what Iongi was at Penrith.
I wonder if he didn't have that debut would it be a headline?
His preferred position is fullback that is blocked long term.
His 2nd position is 5/8 the club have backed Lorenzo with Volkman still here potentially next year.
And Joash as a back up in both position.
Its similar to Ethan Sanders path was blocked could see a clear path elsewhere so went
Everyone's path is blocked until it isn't.
Talagi left because his path was blocked... And then it wasn't.
We have to field a first grade team with depth, so everyone is going to have a path blocked. We can't keep using this as an excuse to lose juniors as soon as they show some talent.
Our R&R has been below acceptable for some time now. So how anyone can have faith in this being a good decision is a bit beyond me. Time will tell if Apa leaving is a good or bad call by the club but there's simply no way we can feel assured that the powers-that-be know what they're doing. It would not surprise me in the slightest if Apa finds his feet at NRL and becomes a quality half / utility. I mean, we did allow Russell to leave and he is currently our best Centre. Who would have seen that coming? (Hint - the Head of Football probably should have)
Agree, I've already said my piece in a earlier blog, this kid showed his class already, we are all hoping these other 'super talents' that haven't played first grade as yet do similar.
I think Apa will be a very good first grader.
How would you have pitched it to him to stay Mutt? Genuinely, how would you sell Apa on staying if you were Football Manager?
"Stay at the Eels on less money to be our 3rd back up fullback. Why would you join a club offering you more money where your path to FG is more open?"
Pretty convincing sell?
Who says he had to be our 3rd place FB? We've waited years for him to debut and punted him straight after. What was literally the point?
They obviously don't want him hence the offer. Is that a good call? Who knows. But it's not as if we're brimming with rep quality outside backs at our club.
So you would have paid Russell $650k?
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