Heโs been one of the most talked about players across the NRL in 2022, and now Parramatta Eels back-rower Isaiah Papaliโi has confirmed that heโs still not 100% sure if heโll honour his agreement with Wests Tigers ahead of a move to Concord next year.
Papaliโi originally signed a three-year agreement starting from next season, but the deal has returned to uncertain waters following weeks of turmoil at the club that began with the sacking of former coach Michael Maguire.
โPeople ask me about it, even on the street, but thatโs for my manager to look after,โ Papaliโi told Channel 9โs Danika Mason.
โIf I donโt stay (at Parramatta), I still want to make sure I have no regrets this year.โ
After weeks of speculation, the in-form Eel confirmed what had long been suspected โ that it was the Tigersโ decision to part ways with Maguire that prompted him to re-evaluate the move.
โI think it was the coach axing,โ he said.
โWhen I signed (for the Tigers) I was talking to Madge (Maguire) and heโs an awesome coach. The news rattled my cage a bit. They had to have those conversations, but it was a massive factor for me.โ
With so much change at the club in recent weeks, headlined by the return of former coach Tim Sheens and club legend Benji Marshall to lead the team next year โ as well as questions over the future make-up of the side โ Papaliโi isnโt getting distracted, saying heโll leave the final decision for some time after the season concludes.
โ(Iโll decide) somewhere in the off-season, itโs just distracting me at the moment. We have a massive opportunity and I donโt want to leave any stone unturned this year and look back on it thinking โI shouldnโt have let this (Tigers) stuff get in the way.โโ
Papaliโi is now focused on the Eelsโ remaining games and the hopes of winning a premiership. The blue-and-gold have been boosted by back to back wins against Penrith and Manly and will be full of confidence ahead of the game with South Sydney on Friday night.
#EXCLUSIVE: Star recruit Isaiah Papali'i admits he still hasn't decided if he'll honour his contract and join the @WestsTigers next year.
For the first time, Papali'i has revealed the moment that made him reconsider switching to the struggling club. @DanikaMason9 #9News pic.twitter.com/Du24Myk37A
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) August 8, 2022
โWeโve got a massive run home, Iโm really looking forward to this Friday. We want to make sure we donโt let our fans down or โ more importantly โ let ourselves down.โ
The Eels have lost their past five meetings with the Rabbitohs, including a 30-12 loss at Homebush back in Round 16.
