- 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
Agreed, LB.
The Eels made the GF in 2001, 2009 and 2022. Basically a great roster every decade! It's fair to want to shorten that, say every half decade. But this whole outbreak of monday morning quarterbacking club officials as if it's a linear, deterministic relation club officials (whomever they are) to on-field success is just scapegoating IMO.
Don't forget that 2005 squad! We had a minor premiership squad in 2001 and 2005 and a grand final team in 2009 and 2022. We just need to ensure we get the right juniors at the right prices through to our NRL side.
If I was to look into a crystal ball and predict our 2028 squad, it might look something like:
1. Iongi
2. Simonsson
3. Penisini
4. Nanva
5. JAC
6. Talataina
7. Moses
8. Moretti
9. Smith
10. Tuivaiti
11. Su'a
12. Williams
13. Hopgood
14. TDS
15. Teancum Brown
16. Guymer
17. Pryke
18. Latu
19. Papalii
20. Fletcher
21. Mataele
22. Talagi
23. Funa-Iuta
24. Bamblett
25. Coinakis
26. Petrus
27. Penisini
28. Koina
29. Dev
30. Dev
Now that's very, very rudimentary and plenty of things could move there. But the vast majority of those players are Eels juniors. And I guarantee you lose some of those guys. With the backrowers coming through we may lose 1 or 2 of those guys.
But the most important thing about your development pathway is that you are getting through more NRL-level players than you can keep. Because it gives you the pick of the crop without getting into a bidding war to keep them.
We have the bones of this at the moment. Talataina, Tuivaiti, Mataele, Pryke, Nanva, Funa-Iuta all either in NRL or around NRL. Now we have to sign/extend these guys. And as I write this Nanva has been extended for a year.
so no room for any new origin class signings. That seems a little sad. Can that team see us play finals in 2028.
Yeah it's scapegoating Daz, but occaisionally a blood sacrifice is necessary. What do we have to lose if 1 or 2 at Head office get it in the neck....they do seem to kind of suck.
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