- 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
The Roosters lost Mitchell, Manu and Sua'ali'i and Penrith lost heaps of kids including Isaiya Katoa.
As said above, Penrith lost Hopgood, Iongi, Leniu.
Melbourne lost Pezet.
Tigers lost Galvin and Da Silva.
We have created pathways for Tuivati, Guymer, Ryley, and by the looks of it Lorenzo.
That's my point, you can'd do it to all of them. We will lose more talented youngsters who end up being probably amazing.
Oh well, no biggie
who cares if he signs. There's plenty of other players coming through. One player doesn't win a premiership as we saw with Hayne. The Eels need players who are fully committed not half hearted players who are more interested in themselves and their pocket. I hope it works out for him but under Meninga I Seriously can't see him going to far and it may take a number of years
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