- 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
I look at outside backs and outside of Iongi it looks decidedly average.
JaC I think is well into the back 9 much like Simonsson also we can't be relying on that in 2 seasons if we are we are in trouble.
Thats where the club needs to spend some money on a strike centre and at least one strike winger.They've got to look past both JAC and Simonsson if there still our starting wingers in 28 the clubs in trouble.Even Nanva & Penisini there upgradeable also.When I look at that back 5 options I only see Iongi as a long term player no one else.
The club has to act now in the back 5 stakes wheather it's Mariner Xerri Tago Farnworth they need to upgrade the talent there big time and they need to move now.
Nanva won't be three and i doubt Simmo will recover from that injury.
Super, so we started the century every 5 yrs being good then it blew out to every 10 years and now we're afraid it will be 2042 before we're good again?!
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.
The blood sacrifices would soon be like the Monty Python song 'Brave Little Robin', where 'off with their heads' never ends?!
If we won a comp next year for example, who would get the praise? Ryles is would as he should but MON and co. Would get stuff all praise. It would be we won in spite of them.
And MON wouldn't care about praise either.
We're not getting close to a comp any time soon. And MON should get the blame for that.
That sounds like you are blaming recruitment for player attitude there Mutts. We have seen what our players are capable of if their attitude is right. Build on that, make it part of the Parra DNA and success will inevitable come. Of course though R&R needs to ensure they fill gaps in the squad with quality players, but you can't buy premierships - Easts have tried that for years with very limited success.
I would've copped a little bit overs for Russell. Loved watching his rise .hope I wasn't one who bagged him at start
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