New Zealand Warriors youngster Isaiah Papaliโi could be on the move at season's end, according to a report by Stuff.
The 21-year old is off-contract at the end of 2020 and reportedly keen to weigh up his options.
He has been offered a contract extension, but negotiations on Papaliโi's best position at the club is what is keeping him from re-signing.
The Warriors believe Papaliโi's best position is at lock, but Papaliโi, sees himself as a second rower moving forward in his career.
Because of this, Papaliโi is opting to test the waters in the market to see if other NRL clubs would be interested in taking him on in his preferred position.
With at least a dozen players out of contract at the Warriors come seasons end along with Papaliโiย and the club still yet to appoint a guaranteed coach going forward, it's tough goings at the Warriors right now.
The Warriors have lost too many young upcoming players over the years to other NRL clubs. If it’s only a matter of Isaiah Papaliโi wanting to play second row, I think the club should give him what he wants. Considering their are a lot of forwards who can capably switch between second row and lock should alleviate the Warriors concerns over wanting Papali’i to play lock instead of second row. It would be a much better outcome for the club & player if this compromise eventuates.
He can go…laterz
Warriors should do an immediate swap
Blake Green for Jake Granville
Cowboys are desperate for an experienced half who can lead a team with Morgan injured and Clifford and Drinkwater struggling.
However at Hooker recent signing Reece Robson has preformed excellently and is definitely the new number 1 option and future of the club.
As for the Warriors, we have already told Green he is free to leave and not in our plans. However we have Nikorima, Harris-Tevita, Keirghan and Paul Turner who can all play in the halves and none have laid a major claim as a future asset. However at hooker we have struggled for years. Roache is always injured, Lawton I donโt think is good enough and has been moved to lock and second row. Then lastly Egan hasnโt shown much. Granville isnt amazing but heโs a definite upgrade and adds some solid production in a key position.
As for Papalii I donโt care if he leaves.