Parramatta are facing a battle to keep boom rookie Apa Twidle.
Sport Confidential can reveal Twidle has attracted interest from three NRL rivals in the wake of his stunning two-try debut against the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday.
Twidle’s management has fielded an inquiry from Phil Gould’s Bulldogs and the Dolphins, while Mal Meninga’s Perth Bears are also watching the young gun closely.
Twidle is off-contract at season’s end and has been offered a development deal by the Eels for 2027.
But the Eels may have to up the ante following Twidle’s brilliant baptism against the Tigers, which has piqued the interest of NRL suitors.
The 21-year-old Kiwi is one of the most versatile players in the league, capable of playing wing, centre and in the halves.
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Yep, I knew we would lose either Apa or Iongi. Can't have 2 fullbacks.
Or Iongi? What made you think we would lose Iongi since he signed til 2030?
Well contracts don't seem to matter much these days. Thinking more before he resigned though.
This is a classic case of manager doing what's best for his client. It is their job and they also get incentive too. Since he has now played FG, scoring a double too, his price has gone up. It wouldn't surprise me if the Dogs talk happened ages ago but now he has debuted they are twisting the knife to Parra for a better deal, preferably a top 30 deal for 2027-28. Dogs and Dolphins links do not make Twidle be in a better position considering both clubs already have Fullbacks, Hammer and Tracey (About to re-sign).
Is Twidle worth a top 30 spot? Yeah i think so, based on versitility alone. He would be handy on a top 30 deal for a few seasons and see if he wins a spot somewhere in the 17. He is a perfect player for that 19 spot as that emergency utility type.
But before losing our minds and finger pointing, the manager is doing what all managers should be doing. Parra offered dev deal, which is very common from us offering a dev deal then top 30 next year after; Funa-Iuta, Latu, Talataina all have those deals and Tago had that with top 30 this year. Does that happen with Twidle now? I doubt it, might have to be top 30 for two years.
Let it play out a little more, i believe with Ryles playing him (Yes there were injuries) shows he likes him somewhat, sometimes it takes opportunities for players to show how good they actually are.
The interest in him from other clubs can be a good thing for Parra. If he is seen as behind Iongi and Papalii, then he could be a good bargaining chip for a strike centre like Xerri, Tago or another centre or 5/8 out there that we desperately need
× The Matterson debacle
× The Dylan Brown f up
× The failure to sign high tier players repeatedly great cap space
× Blaze Talagi
× Not securing Russell before the Nov 1 deadline
× Sam Tuivaiti ( our number 1 long term prop) able to speak to opposition teams this season
× Twidle- obvious great talent not tied up. And now chased by many clubs
Can Mark O’Neill be trusted with overseeing recruitment and retention yes or no ?
Tuivaiti's not allowed to negotiate with rivals until after the season ends, in November. Twidle is not an 'obvious great talent' at all. He is a fast, skinny dude like so many reserve graders.
If we lose Apa they all involvement in R&R need not be sacked but shot in the back of the head for crimes against Parra.
Apa should start for the remainder of the season either at wing/ centre fullback. All we have in the back line left is Brian "Bum" Kelly and my left testicle with a smiley face drawn on it. We've lost Rusty for next year and we have no one coming.
He was a gun in the trials and was a gun vs the Tigers covering 2 positions perfectly whilst playing with a busted shoulder. These are the type of players we need. Skill and guts. He debuted in a fucking furnace of a game and came out trumps.
Get him re-signed you muppets!
Re-sign Apa, its simple. The kid has alot of raw talent. He plays whats in front of him and has a footy brain. He can play anywhere in the back line and is even big enough to play lock. Yes he has some errors in his game, but there is more up side to him.
If he is patient enough to wait 1 more season, there'll be plenty of opportunities around the corner for him.
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