Rugby league pundits are probably now wondering if the signing of Isaiah Papali’i means Wests Tigers are finally serious about becoming a contender in the NRL after a decade of failure.
The 23-year-old Papali’I, who is contracted with the Parramatta Eels for the 2022 season, has signed a three-year contract that will see him feature in Wests Tigers colours from the start of the 2023 season.
A Te Atatu Roosters junior from Auckland, Papali’i made his NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors in 2017, playing 63 games across four seasons before linking up with the Eels ahead of the 2021 season.
The New Zealand and Samoa international representative, pictured at right after scoring a try, enjoyed a breakout season in 2021, going on to be named the Dally M second rower of the year.
It was interesting to note that the media release issued by the Wests Tigers on what is a very good signing gave much of the credit to the man who led them to premiership glory in 2005.
The newly installed Wests Tigers director of football Tim Sheens said he was pleased to add a player of Papali’i’s calibre to the club, the media release said.
“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.
