- 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'm dumbfounded our R&R hasn't identified his all round talent. Mystified as well. That leads to unders in any offer and they'll regret it one day. I think, as our most knowlegable expert on our juniors EA, you are wrong for once in your assessment on Apa which has you travelling at 99% currently in talent scouting. Still we'll find out next year who's right and one of us can remind the other on the outcome. With good grace of course.
What can I say but good luck to the kid. I loved his 20 minute cameo in a game that it was raining fire and brimstone.
I think he could have done a job for us on the wing or centre since Rusty is leaving.
We can't keep everyone. Even if they blow up, we can't keep everyone.
We got Iongi and Hopgood from Penrith. Penrith at their pinnacle. They still let guys of that quality go.
We have plenty of outside backs and halves coming through. Even Papalii is maybe blocked here but his utility even at 9 makes him more valuable.
The on player at the moment that is a priority keep is Tuivati.
I do want MON sacked but holy if we lose Tuivita, Lorenzo, Fletcher, Petrus, Popo, Koina, Polley, Bell, Seuseu, Sorovi, Bloomfield, Talagi then I am going to flip.
I know that if you were to lose any of those names you'd be upset EA, much like i am with Apa.
Have you noticed Harley Walker and Kade Moujalli in Flegg lately.
I guess we already have Iongi and Moses leaving 6 as his only option and we have favoured others like Talataina over him.
Time will tell if we made the right decision...
You put him on the wing like just about every other fullback coming into first grade and test his potential. Parra seem to get stuck on what position the junior plays rather than just getting them into the first grade team and trying them out. Look at the roosters. They have a half playing in the centres so they don't lose a talented player.
I think you'll find we do offer alternative positions but our juniors want their selected position NOW. E.g. Talagi.
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