Parramatta missed out on the back-rower’s signature after offering an underwhelming extension proposal late last year.

Parramatta were willing to upgrade his 2022 contract,which is worth $200,000,to about $275,000. They also offered him a two-year extension on top worth around $425,000 a season.

The Eels later increased that offer but Papali’i had already accepted the Tigers’ offer of a three-year deal worth in excess of $1.8m.

Having missed out on the services of Reed Mahoney,Oregon Kaufusi and Marata Niukore,the Eels have the salary cap space to keep him at the club. They’ve also granted Nathan Brown permission to talk to rival clubs about an immediate release. The Eels declined to comment when contacted.

It is understood Papali’i is citing the sacking of Michael Maguire as the reason for his change of heart.

He is also concerned about whether assistant coaches Nathan Cayless and Ben Gardiner,who he previously formed a bond with in Kiwi camp,will both be at the club next year as per the arrangement when he signed.

The Tigers have asked him to give the club more time to sort out its future before making his next move.

Fellow recruit Api Koroisau has indicated to Tigers officials that he has no such concerns and will honour his deal with the club from next season.

More to come