LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a bold move that has tongues wagging across the Rugby League world, star recruit Isaiah Papali'i has revealed that his decision to leave the Wests Tigers and sign with reigning premiers Penrith was driven by a burning desire to reignite his career after hitting a rough patch at his former club.
Hunting for premierships is always a top priority for any player worth his salt, but for Papali'i, it was about more than just silverware.
Feeling like he had hit a plateau in recent seasons, the dynamic back-rower knew he needed a new challenge in the toughest competition in the NRL to push himself to new heights.
Papali'i's journey has been a rollercoaster ride, starting off strong with the Warriors before truly hitting his stride in his debut season with the Eels, earning a spot in the esteemed Dally M team of the year.
However, a cloud of confusion surrounding his future with the Tigers in 2023 cast a shadow over his success and left him yearning for a fresh start.
Despite being hailed as one of the best edge forwards in the game, Papali'i found himself struggling to make an impact at a struggling Tigers outfit that seemed to be in a perpetual state of chaos, racking up three wooden spoons in a row.
It became clear that a change of scenery was needed to reignite the fire within him.
Now, Papali'i is ready to don the famous black and teal of the Panthers, a team with a reputation for success and a hunger for more glory.
With his eyes set on recapturing the scintillating form he displayed with the Eels, the dynamic Kiwi is set to make a splash in the league and show the world what he's truly capable of.
Watch out, NRL - Papali'i is back and ready to make his mark.