Former Parramatta captain Tim Mannah has described Isaiah Papali’i’s decision to sign with the Wests Tigers as a “big loss” for the Eels.
Papali’i, 23, is coming off a career best season where he was named Dally M second rower of the year and was one of the hottest names available for the 2023 season onwards.
With the Eels only being able to offer a deal worth near $500,000 a season, Papali’i signed with the Tigers on a three-year deal worth nearly $2 million overall.
As Papali’i is set to theoretically enter the prime of his career, Mannah says the Tigers will be “pumped” to have him on board for 2023 onward.
“I think it is, it’s a big loss for us,” Mannah said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“He had such a great season, if I’m being honest it’s not just him on the field but he’s such a great guy off it as well.
“He’s really loved, he does a lot of community work.
“He’s going to be a big loss for us and I’m sure the Tigers will be pumped to have him on board over there.
With several stars originally off contract at the end of next season – including Clint Gutherson, Reed Mahoney and Reagan Campbell-Gillard – Mannah believes the Eels simply had too many players that were up for grabs to keep them all.
“Hindsight is a good way to look at it, but with this new team coming on the market it’s given every player a really big trump card,” Mannah explained.
“Unfortunately for Parramatta, we had a lot of guys coming off contract at once, it was always going to be a battle to keep them all.
“It’s a bit of a feeding frenzy, clubs are prepared to spend top dollar.”
Papali’i will be hoping to help the Eels to another finals appearance in 2023 in his last season with the club.
Parramatta bowed out of the 2021 finals series in the semi-final after losing to eventual premiers Penrith.