Parramatta lost the signature of the rear paddle after offering a disappointing extension proposal late last year.
Parramatta was willing to upgrade his 2022 contract, which is worth $ 200,000, to about $ 275,000. They also offered him a two-year extension in addition to a value of about $ 425,000 a season.
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The Eels later increased that offer, but Papali’i had already accepted the Tigers’ offer of a three-year contract worth more than $ 1.8 million.
After losing the services of Reed Mahoney, Oregon Kaufusi and Marata Niukore, the Eels have the salary cap to keep him at the club. They have also granted permission to Nathan Brown to talk to rival clubs about an immediate release. The Eels declined to comment when contacted.
It is understood that Papali’i cites the dismissal of Michael Maguire as the reason for his change of heart.
He is also worried about whether assistant coaches Nathan Cayless and Ben Gardiner, with whom he previously formed a bond at the Kiwi field, will both be at the club next year, according to the deal when he signed.
The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to resolve its future before making its next move.
Recruiting teammate Api Koroisau has indicated to Tigers officials that he has no concerns and will respect his agreement with the club from next season.
More to come