- 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
Answer my question though would you paid Russell what Perth paid? As you complain we lost Russell where mind you this time last year had we signed him up long term everyone here would have said what the hell MON doing. I wish we kept Russell but for that money?
As for Centre options well Samrani could be one and Will is more likely staying. If he doesn't we will have to see, Tago, Timoko and Xerri could still be options.
LB with developing players like Russell who is improving every year, you don't let it get to a stage where other clubs like the bears can negotiate in November, you get onto the front foot and use foresight and i guarantee Russell would have stayed.
Tell us all, how could the bears offer 3 years before November 1st ??? You can't, because o'neill failed yet again and we ended up with a lesser player in Kelly
Thats life under mark o'neill
I actually agree that we should've kept Russell, and paid *slight* overs if possible.
This
As Chief said if you have some foresight you don't let players you wish to keep, become so available that other clubs get a clean shot at them. $650k for Russell is probably thereabouts right now. We seem to have a knack for letting talent walk as they get poached by our rivals. Dylan Brown was the most obvious example.
Well parramatta only offered him 80k a year, so they could be to bothered if he went or not, if they wanted him to stay they would of offered a lot more, we have other options & better options, he's defence isn't up to it, and it hasn't improved that much either since SG Ball.
So Parra have decided Apa Twidle doesn't show enough promise to be retained.
Most of the members here either agree with that assessment or are willing to go along;
I do not agree.
Most see him as a fullback only, as third in line for the position and "We have better juniors coming thru." Not strong in defense, and body not tough enough for the 1st grade grind. Save me. Scored two tries on debut, but while the Tigers were a man down, so nothing much to see!
I've noticed more, that convinces me Apa is more than only a 1, he is a playmaker, never wastes a pass and with the vision he has he will be a great half-back and could have filled in for Mitchell when he's missing. It will be years before other young h/bs in tthe club will be called up to 1st grade. Apa started at 7 in cup a month ago against the storm and organised two tries in the first 10 minutes and had a blinder to lead the team to a big win. The next round he returned to fullback and will remain there once he regains fitness. He has an allround kicking game to boot but all thats not enough for him to be kept at the club.
As for his defense, I've seen nothing to tell me he's lacking in that area. But no one ever mentions the low standard of defense in Llonges game where he's never in position to foil any attack as the last defender. Lorrenzo is no better than Apa in defense and runs like the great Zip Zip, only trys to beat one too many and realizing that trys to get a late pass away which invariably is knocked on.
Bamblett will end up a great fullback, with us or elsewhere, running the ball is his forte and reminds one of Hayne, but Apa is that allrounder who also excells at half. Davis at fullback in Ball, soon to be in Flegg isn't far behind Bamblett.
So Apa Twidle, the answer to a lot of our future issues and being lowballed by Parra is forced to go further west. Unbelievable!
Question, why has it taken til now, where he is 22 and scored a double on debut for clubs to want him? I know clubs would have spruked interest beforehand but he is going to Perth who have struggled forming a squad.
Like I reckon he is a talent and would have been pleased to sign a top 30 deal but also where are the likes of Penrith when they signed Talagi?
Maybe Penrith are happy with their 1&7 and have sufficient back-ups. Can't explain how it's taken any other club this long to value Apa other than Mals mob. Maybe some clubs have similar R&R departments as us, slow to act.
I can see Twiddle being a 6 but definitely not a 7. I can see him being a good FG but again, how do you expect us to convince him to stay?
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