Did anyone else notice James Graham's comment on 360 tonight? He was asked whether he liked Benji Marshall's appointment as coach for the Tigers. He responded by saying he solves some immediate problems and referred to 'putting the fire out on Papali'i not coming'.
Graham is a close mate of Benji's (I should say it appears that way). I wouldn't be surprised if he knows that Benji has spoken to Papa and has received the assurance that Papa is still coming. If so, that's bad news.
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Honestly Graham wouldn't know to be fair, Benji can say whatever he likes. The most telling part was Papali'i had an opportunity last Friday to quash it once and for all by saying "I've signed a contract I will be at Wests next year no issues" but he couldn't do it he finished with let's wait and see.
Does that mean Papali'i will not be at Wests next year? No there's still a chance but I think atm Parramatta still have thre upper hand, again Papa had the opportunity to say he is going, why tip toe around when signed? Not like there's rumours that you have signed and could distract the team, he signed 7 months ago so it's shouldn't be an issue, but being Ice he was humble and couldn't lie without being professional too. This is not over, he could stay at Wests and if so, so be it but yeah he said those comments days after knowing Benji was going to be involved.
Plus Benji ain't in the top job til 2025, Papa will be in his last year, why wait til year 3 in a shit program for Benji?
4 days have passed since Papa made those cryptic comments. Perhaps Benji spoke to him afterwards. Graham seemed to suggest Benji fixed the problem for them. I hope not.
There is no way the eels have the upper hand. The tigers have have the legally enforceable contract
In the sense that he wants to stay, as soon as Papa is content honouring the deal then it is over obviously. What i mean is Papa will try to back out, we have that in our favour as Wests wouldn't want someone who doesn't want to be there.
I have to be honest here and say as much as I would like Papa to stay, I really hate it when anybody reneges on a deal, let alone signs a contract as well.
I get how some might say there is no loyalty from the clubs etc but it still doesn't make it right.
Papa shook hands, did a deal and signed a new contract months ago. He should do the right thing and honour it.
It works both ways. The clubs are pretty ruthless in getting rid of those surplus to requirements. Look at the treatment of Nathan Brown. You can't tell me that Makatoa has better form than him.
I hear ya. The only thing i would say is that Papali'i has become a much better player at Parra. They have helped turn him into a star of the game I think he owes the club, coaching staff and supporters so much for believing in him.
Let's be clear here.
Players who have made a name for themselves at a certain club owes that club absolutely nothing when it comes to resigning.
Papa would have worked hard and the club benefitted from it.
Serves o'neill and co right for making an insulting offer.
And given that Papa reacted hastily, it serves him right that he has to play with a shit club and probably regress.
As Gordon Gecko in Wall Street said "Greed is good".
I think we will find out before August 1. There seems to be a concerted effort to offload Nathan Brown. With the money freed up, they at least can keep Ice on the cap. It will just be a bit of negotation with the Tigers on what they will accept to release him from the contract. Of course, they could just dig their heels in, but I get the feeling they will negotiate this one out. Depends on Brownie picking up a gig somewhere else (maybe the Storm with their stocks right down).
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