3 minute read

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis says he expects Kiwi Test star Isaiah Papali'i will honour his three-year contract at the club.

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis insists he is confident Parramatta star Isaiah Papali'i will honour his contract with the joint-venture NRL club.

Papali'i signed a three-year deal with the Tigers last November, joining Penrith hooker Apisai Koroisau as the club's big recruits for next season.

However reports emerged in July that Papali'i was considering going back on the move, with his New Zealand national team coach Michael Maguire having been axed by the Tigers.

Given the chance to clarify his position on Monday, Papali'i instead claimed he would wait until the end of the season before talking with the Tigers about the issue.

Hagipantelis said on Tuesday that he would meet with Papali'i management to clarify the comments, but was adamant the backrower would still be at Concord in 2023.

"We have a contract. It's in black and white and has been signed by both parties and we're very comfortable with where we sit," Hagipantelis told SEN.

"I don't put a lot of stock (to what he was saying) being anti-Wests Tigers or anti-contractual obligation.

"I don't want to read into his comments and create any angst between the club and the player.

"It's well known that we enjoy a contractual relationship with Isaiah and we very much look forward to welcoming him to the club in 2023."

If Papali'i were to attempt to back out of the deal, it would come as a big blow to the Tigers and the coaching duo of Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall.

Papali'i is one of the game's best backrowers, and the club have let go of edge forwards Luciano Leilua, Luke Garner and Kelma Tualagi in the past 12 months.