Wests Tigers forward Isaiah Papali'i has shut down rumours of a potential return to Parramatta, reaffirming his commitment to the struggling club for 2024 and beyond.
The back-rower moved to Concord on a lucrative deal at the beginning of this season, coming from a grand final team in the Eels to a side likely to finish with the dreaded NRL wooden spoon.
Papali'i has been regarded as one of the best edge forwards in the competition in recent years, but the nature of the Tigers' struggles has stopped the Kiwi star from making any significant impact.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a reunion with Brad Arthur and company next year, despite having two years remaining on his deal with the Tigers.
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Tigers star Isaiah Papali'i shuts down Eels return rumours
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the explosive second-rower addressed the speculation regarding his NRL future and admitted any potential walkout wouldn't sit well with him.
“I’ve been hearing about the rumours… I heard it through social media and people sending it to me," Papali'i said.
"I just told them those are rumours for a reason, I want to finish this season here and leave that stuff to all those people in the media talking about it. That’s rumours and not coming from me.
"I don’t want to be the guy that’s only been here for a year and kind of cops out on it after a tough season. I’m really looking forward to 2024 and hopefully we can turn this club around.
“It’s not fair on anyone… I haven’t even given myself a proper opportunity to make a statement at this club and that’s something I want to do. I believe we are heading in the right direction.
"Obviously it’s been a rollercoaster of a season. You need to go through those dark times to come out and obviously learn from it - we’re definitely gonna grow."
Papali'i has crossed for two tries in 22 appearances this year, while his output in both attack and defence has been down from last season with the Eels.
With the Tigers staring down the barrel of a second-straight wooden spoon, Papali'i admitted the transition from success to a long-term rebuild approach hasn't all been smooth sailing.
“I guess the transition was hard, but I knew the challenge was there when I signed up," he said.
"I knew when I was coming here that it wasn’t the same team that I had there, and I had to rebuild the chemistry, whether it was with my halves or the middles.
"We struggled throughout the year, but I’ve had an opportunity to get comfortable around this club and hopefully I can take another step forward in my own game and contribute a bit more to the team."
Isaiah Papali'i 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 22 |
| Tries | 2 |
| Linebreaks | 3 |
| Linebreak Assists | 2 |
| Tackle Breaks | 65 |
| Offloads | 19 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 116m |
| Avg. Tackles | 32 |
| Tackle Efficiency | 94% |
