- 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
Chief, maybe just maybe Russell and his management saw that Perth are coming into the market and wanted to test the market? It goes both ways. Yes we want to sign a player but they need to want to sign as well. As soon as the deal of $650k comes up for 4 years, Russell has to take it.
You say i can't but didn't give me to time to respond. What if Russell wanted to test the market? Then came back to us with $650k, do you think MON should have offered more? Yes or no?
But continue please to let it feed the narrative you have continued. I think MON has stuffed before but to single him out when Ryles is involved in recruitment, as well Rogers. They should cop it too.
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.
We could have picked him up for 450 or less have o'neill acted earlier, also Sam Tuivaiti is now in a similar position. Watch fans justify him leaving if and when the dogs or the bears sign him.for 650k this November
O'neill is the common denominator here. Thats all that needs to be said.
Good point Chief. I can see it now, Tuivati is too large and too slow for the modern game. He should have been wrapped up before this season. It's beyond obvious he's a talent with a long career ahead of him. Just get it done. I reckon we're a massive chance of losing him now.
And when the Eels retain Tuivati? R&R is great? Move on to next player whom if lost means R&R is shot?
I don't know how people survive these rubber band epistemic lives
No, when Eels retain Tuivati they've performed the bare minimum requirement. We're meant to be in the business of assembling a Premiership winning roster. You absolutely cannot do that if you continually allow your most obviously talented players to be poached by rivals. Then kid yourself that the journeyman you've replaced them with was the better option after all. This club has been doing far too much of that and there are many examples of it.
Rubber band epistemic thinking would be convincing yourself that Josh Hodgson is a better option than Reed Mahoney. Or Jonah Pezet is a better option than Dylan Brown. Next year is our year for sure! (ad-nauseum until we're all dead)
"When the Eels retain Tuivati?" ...long term, its about bloody well time.
clearly, he'll be in many clubs minds!
IF....IF we retain Mr Tuivati.
Don't hold your breath with this mob Mace.
Now the difference to Tuivaiti is we've seen him perform in FG consistently and is ear marked to replace Paulo. His path is not blocked.
Right, and Ryles doesn't say yes or no? You know Ryles has a say right?
If Ryles badly wanted Twidle, he would have been offered top 30.
Not saying MON is perfect but come on.
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