Papali'i knocks back massive deal

Parramatta's Isaiah Papali'i rejects huge Dolphins offer

Barnstorming Eels back-rower Isaiah Papali'i looks set to knock back a massive approach from the new Dolphins franchise for 2023, leaving his future a two-horse race. Papali'i's manager Daniel O'Loughlin has told Wide World of Sports that the much-improved forward doesn't want to leave Sydney. That reduces his options to staying at Parramatta or accepting a big offer from Wests Tigers. "The Tigers are very keen but he also feels a loyalty to Parramatta so will probably give them the last say.

I think they are meeting this week so we will see what they come up with." Papali'i was one of the big improvers of 2021, helping the Eels into the top four with his aggressive forward play in attack and defence. His ability to play both middle and edge forward adds to his value and the tough forward has been in hot demand. Papali'i finished 2021 third in the NRL for post-contact metres and should only get better in coming years. The Eels are desperate to keep him but also have several big names off contract including skipper Clint Gutherson, hooker Reed Mahoney and prop Junior Paulo.

"Coryn, we even haven't managed to sign our young gun Tuivati long term when it was plain obvious after a coupla games he is a dead set keeper :( And you you say the length of time it's taking to sign Junior up on his last deal is another tell tale,…"

Replies

Coach Jim November 16, 2021 at 8:53am

Parra need to tie him up. We see the storm and roosters manage to keep multiple superstars in their squad so it is possible. Work it out and get it done Parra. Ice is a young guy with plenty of good years in him, he is a fan favorite and a beast on the field. It's great that we got him cheap and found an absolute gem but now it's time to make him a priority because that's what he is.
Parra fan on The Hill November 16, 2021 at 9:09am

Let Matto go and hold onto Papali'i all day every day. Matto has no lived up to his potential. Too inconsistant for 600K.
- Brett Allen > Parra fan on The Hill November 16, 2021 at 11:09am
  
  I doubt he's on that much
  - Wizard “Alcatraz “Sleeve > Brett Allen November 16, 2021 at 11:48am
    
    Somewhere between $470 -500k if you believe the usual sources. Although FOXSports claim it's 550k. Either way the blokes worth not a penny over 350k
    - Brett Allen > Wizard “Alcatraz “Sleeve November 16, 2021 at 11:53am
      
      Yes, I'd heard 500k, which is about standard for a starter in a non critical position
      - EA > Brett Allen November 16, 2021 at 12:08pm
        
        But he is not even a starter in our current team for 2022.
        
        Brett Allen > EA November 16, 2021 at 12:15pm
        
        Yeah he is. I know he was dropped at the back end of the season, but I think that was largely to with the after effects of concussion. He never really got back to his best after the Melbourne game in round 2. All things being equal he's our starting right edge forward, or at least an automatic selection in our best 17.
      - EA > Brett Allen November 16, 2021 at 12:08pm
        
        But he is not even a starter in our current team for 2022.
      - Wizard “Alcatraz “Sleeve > Brett Allen November 16, 2021 at 12:11pm
        
        He's boardering on a fringe player. He's as replaceable as the cover on my mobile phone.
        
        Brett Allen > Wizard “Alcatraz “Sleeve November 16, 2021 at 12:16pm
        
        I'm not saying he's not, but he's under contract and going nowhere.