- 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
EA, is this the case of Sanders and Talagi happening again? If we are that good in developing players, why are we not in the top 8 at least. We spend money, time and effort in developing them but in the end, other teams are getting the benefit from it. There is something wrong in the way to sell our plans to these junior players. Hopefully, it can be remedied and retain them. Panthers are able to do it someway.
Well recently we have failed to retain the right juniors like Sanders, Talagi, etc. The DB thing etc.
I feel the club made the right decision here. Plus even if we match Perth's offer why would Twiddle stay to be 3rd choice fullback? Everyone saying he is FG ready etc but than expect him to stay to be back ups back up.
People say put him on the wing or centre etc. Well his yardage is worse than Russel. His defence is putrid in the front line.
I know some people have watched him a bit like Richard and AE. But lot of the other people commenting about him only see his highlights and not his full games.
Thanks EA. As an avid Parra fan, I just hope the club have made the right decision in not competing for him v the Bears. It is just frustrating sometimes that we developed players and when they are a bit ready to play FG, some team will poach them from us. And yet we have now 40 years from our last Premiership. Likewise, do you reckon Twidle is just worth $80K as of now? Cheers!
Nah he is worth more than 80k. He is better than a development contract. He deserves a top 30 contract to be the back up fullback at a club. I do not think he is a starter in any position for any club.
EA, would you consider Bamblett a chance of FG this year? He's straight into 6 role in Flegg and is a great talent, but you did say he seems to be an individual type player?
Nah he is no chance of FG this year. Maybe cup towards the end of the year. But this is only if they let him go back to fullback. He is not a 6 what so ever. I feel he looks more like an individual type player than normal now due to him being an out and out fulllback playing at 6.
Then again, Ryles has surprised us. We both said last year Tuivaiti more likely sees no FG in 2025 and will play Flegg to Cup. He debuts Round 1 hahaha.
MON is ass, but i agree this wasn't his fault same with the Blaize one just simillar situations i guess.
You always have to think too, did the coach want them as well? If Ryles really wanted him i believe he is offered a top 30 deal.
Why are you being sensible though when you can ragebait EA?
I agree btw. This is alright and good for all parties. We have heaps of interesting backs coming through (Davis, Bamblett, Seuseu, Bloomfield, Martin) that can all play fullback. Pretty sure Risati played some FB too.
And Iongi is only 23 and Papalii 22.
What exactly is Twidle supposed to do here other than maybe play wing?
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