Parramatta star Isaiah Papali’i has refused to confirm he will report for Wests Tigers pre-season training next season as uncertaintly lingers over his $1.9 million deal to join the club.
The 23-year-old backrower has reportedly been angling to get out of the deal since the Tigers sacked Michael Maguire, with suggestions he could remain with the Eels or even return to the New Zealand Warriors.
It remains to be seen how, and if, Papali’i can renege on a contract he’s already signed but the player certainly didn’t douse the speculation when he refused to guarantee he would suit up for the Tigers next season in an exclusive interview with Fox Sports News on Monday.
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Asked whether he was planning to be part of the Tigers’ pre-season, Papali’i said he was only focused on the Eels’ do-or-die finals clash with Canberra on Friday night.
“For me, what we have at hand at the moment is a massive opportunity and it’s all I’m kind of focused on right now — this Friday night and what I can do for this club right here and now,” he said.
Pressed on the fact that Tigers fans would want to hear him make a commitment, Papali’i responded: “I’m sure everyone wants to hear it but I can’t say anything just now. Just really focused on the 2022 season and that’s what I’m completely, 100 per cent focused.”
Asked whether that meant it was possible the move would not happen the Kiwis star said: “Like I said I can’t really comment on it so we’ll just leave it at that.”
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Papali’i confirmed he would sit down with his manager after the Eels’ finals campaign and “talk through those things and figure out what’s going on come next season.”
He also revealed what was spoken about in a recent phone call with Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall, the Tigers’ long-term coaching combination.
“(We spoke about ) what their direction is leading forward and what type of coaching role Beinji was going to have and how Tim was going to help him,” Papali’i said.
“It was pretty straight forward and it was nice to talk to them and hear what they had to say and what they’re looking for, not only in this season coming but in the future.”
