The breakout star is set to join his third club.
Papali’i has gained interest from the Dolphins, with the NRL’s newcomers having their advances knocked back by the Parramatta star.
However, the Tigers have swooped on Papali’i’s asking price of more than $600,000-per-season, a fee the Eels reportedly struggled to compete with.
Embed from Getty Images
“The Club worked with Isaiah and his management team to remain with the Club beyond his current contract including a significant upgrade for 2022, however he has chosen to take up an offer with another Club,” Parramatta wrote in a club statement.
“Isaiah made a terrific contribution and has provided great value to the Club in 2021, and both Isaiah and the Club are committed to another strong year in the Blue and Gold in 2022.”
The departure of Papali’i follows Marata Niukore’s exit to the Warriors for 2023, with the Eels forward also understood to earn a significant wage with his new club.
Wests Tigers football boss Tim Sheens expressed his delight in having Papali’i venture to Concord for 2023.
“Isaiah is an exceptionally talented young forward who has shown himself to be a player with a fantastic attitude, work-ethic and drive,” Sheens said in a statement.
“We firmly believe that his best football is still ahead of him and we’re very excited to see him progress in next steps of his rugby league career with Wests Tigers.”
Both players will remain in Parramatta for next season before departing for their new clubs.
The twin departures are set to open some wiggle room for the Eels’ financial planning for 2023 and beyond, with the likes of Clint Gutherson, Reed Mahoney, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunster, Ryan Matterson, Maika Sivo and Junior Paulo among those not signed past next year.
