The Penrith Panthers are moving to lock down a bunch of stars who are off-contract at the end of next year, with Isaiah Papali’i agreeing to terms on a new deal which will keep him at the foot of the mountains beyond 2027.
Fresh reports from ESPN reveal both parties have agreed on terms, although the length of his extension is yet to be disclosed.
Papali’i is closing in on 200 NRL games and has cemented himself as one of the best backrowers in the competition.
The Samoan international made the switch to Penrith from the Wests Tigers for the 2025 season, where he has since played 43 games with the club and offers elite versatility in the middle or on an edge.
Papali’i broke through as an NRL star after being given a starting position when he left the Warriors for the Eels in 2021.
He went on to record seven tries, 30 offloads, 809 tackles and 94.2% tackle efficiency while making over 100 tackle breaks in his debut season at Parramatta.
He was later given the Dally M Second Rower of the Year accolade, and has since been a consistent name in star second row conversations.
It’s a massive recruitment win for the Panthers, who face an uphill battle to hold on to a bunch of stars currently without a 2028 contract.
It includes Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Blaize Talagi, and Paul Alamoti, while Moses Leota has been permitted to speak with rivals, clouding his future at the club.
The side will already say farewell to Brian To’o, who will depart the Penrith juggernaut to link up with former teammate Jarome Luai at the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural campaign starting in 2028.
Superstar Cleary has also made it known he is in no rush to decide on his future, which may see him test his worth from November 1 this year, when players without a contract for 2028 can speak with rival clubs.
After dropping a crucial match against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday, the club turns its attention to its trip to Melbourne to face the Storm on August 20.
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