Surprise signing as Panthers swoop on Kiwi international backrower Isaiah Papali'i from the Tigers
Updated . First published at
Penrith has swooped in to sign international backrower Isaiah Papali'i from the Wests Tigers.
The Panthers on Thursday morning announced Papali'i will join the club in 2025 on a three-year deal - a surprise given that he was contracted with the Tigers until the end of next season.
Papali'i's Tigers exit comes as new CEO Shane Richardson looks to put his imprint on the merger club's roster.
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Papali'i was one of several players named in a Sydney Morning Herald report claiming Richardson has flown to England to shop several stars around to Super League clubs.
"We're thrilled to have secured Isaiah's services for the next three seasons," Panthers CEO Matt Cameron said.
Isaiah Papali'i of the Tigers celebrates a try. Getty
"Not only does Isaiah bring a wealth of experience and leadership capabilities to our club, but he's also a world-class forward who has proven himself at the highest level."
The 25-year-old began his NRL career at the Warriors in 2017 and played 63 games for them before heading to Parramatta.
He played two seasons with the Eels - including the losing 2022 grand final against Penrith - before jumping ship to the Tigers. He was a Dally M backrower of the year in 2021.
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It's a quality signing for Penrith, who missed out on landing big-money Titans backrower David Fifita just a fortnight ago.
"Isaiah is a talented player, displaying not only exceptional skills but also a great attitude and work ethic," Penrith's football manager Shane Elford said.
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"We believe he will thrive in the Panthers system and we're eager to see his continued career progression at our club."
The Tigers have won just two of 10 games this season.
