LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Isaiah Papali'i has finally spoken out about his time at the Wests Tigers, admitting that he has been "struggling to find form" as he prepares to make the switch to the Penrith Panthers.
A standout second-rower during his time at the Parramatta Eels, where he was awarded the prestigious 2021 Dally M Second Rower of the Year, Papali'i made the move to the Wests Tigers last season with high expectations on his shoulders.
Despite being on a lucrative contract worth around $750,000, Papali'i has failed to meet the expectations set for him by the club, leading to his decision to depart.
There have been whispers of controversy surrounding his tenure at the Tigers, with rumors suggesting that he was only interested in playing under Michael Maguire and had considered backing out of the contract before ultimately joining the team.
With his release from the Tigers secured, Papali'i will don the Penrith Panthers jersey from 2025 onwards, signing a three-year deal that will see him through until at least the end of the 2027 season.
He is now set to join the ranks of Ivan Cleary's squad, becoming the latest player to make the move to the successful Panthers outfit.