Isaiah Papali’i has promised Wests Tigers fans he is “all in” after months of public conjecture that he could backflip on his $1.8 million deal to stay at Parramatta.
Papali’i had been coy on honouring a three-year Tigers contract – easily the largest of his career – right up until the Eels’ grand final loss on Sunday, only confirming he is Concord-bound after full-time.
The 24-year-old stopped short of apologising to Tigers fans for the months of angst that followed his initial reservations after Michael Maguire’s sacking.
While the prospect of staying put at Parramatta was raised, Papali’i insisted he had told Tigers head coach Tim Sheens that he was on his way long ago.
Papali’i shapes as a key figure in New Zealand’s World Cup campaign after emerging as one of the NRL’s best back-rowers during a two-year stint at the Eels.
His World Cup commitments mean Papali’i isn’t slated to return to pre-season training under Sheens until January, but he has vowed to deliver on the marquee money laid out by the joint-venture.
“I hope people can understand the way I went about my situation, I can understand why some people weren’t happy,” Papali’i told The Herald.
“But the people who needed to know at the Tigers knew what my plans were.
“I’ve been in contact with Sheensy throughout the year. I didn’t want my individual talks to worry this [Parramatta] group given the opportunity we had.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge in 2023 and the three years I’ve got at the Tigers, I’m all in. I’ll be putting as much effort in there as I did at this club, that’s a promise.”
Tim Sheens is active in the player market as he leads a rebuild at Wests Tigers.Credit:Kate Geraghty
Along with Api Koroisau, whose joke about the Tigers’ title hopes during grand final celebrations prompted contact from club officials, Papali’i is Sheens’ biggest 2023 signing.
The club has also explored an NRL return for English international John Bateman and expressed interest in Storm star Cameron Munster, while Newcastle enforcer David Klemmer toured the Tigers Concord facilities last week as well.
A two-year offer on top of buying out the final season of Klemmer’s current Knights contract is being considered by the Tigers.
Papali’i has made the most of a $200,000 lifeline Brad Arthur handed him last year when the Warriors cut him adrift, turning his Eels stint into a big-money Tigers deal.
“I can’t thank Parramatta enough, my time here has made me a better player and a person,” Papali’i said.
“I know I can make a difference and help lead at the Tigers. I’ve grown up and sorted a few things out off the field and become an adult.
“It all contributes to your form and as much as it was hard to make that move to Parramatta to start with, Brad’s challenged me to improve week-in, week-out, no matter if I play my best game of my life or my worst. That’s what I take with me.”
Meanwhile, Koroisau’s on-stage gag at the Tigers’ expense during Penrith’s grand final celebrations saw CEO Justin Pascoe make contact with the Fijian hooker’s management on Monday.
“To go out on a high like that, it’s pretty incredible, and I’ll probably do the same thing at the Tigers,” Koroisau said before bursting into laughter.
Tigers chairman Lee Hagipentalis said on SEN Radio that the matter has been dealt with as far as the joint-venture is concerned.
“As I understand it, Api is a thoroughly decent fellow and presents as such,” Hagipentalis said.
“I’m sure if he had his time again he might rethink those comments.
“It was in the spur of the moment, emotions play a large part and perhaps some alcohol as well.”
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