Wests Tigers forward Isaiah Papali’i suffered an injury setback during last weekend’s match against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Papali’i was involved in a hip-drop tackle by Valentine Holmes, resulting in his departure from the field. Despite the severity of the incident, he was only fined $1800 instead of facing suspension.
The Sydney Morning Herald has confirmed that Papali’i sustained a syndesmosis injury, requiring surgery and a two-month recovery period. This news comes as a significant blow to Benji Marshall and the Wests Tigers, as Papali’i joins the ranks of sidelined players, including John Bateman (pec injury), David Klemmer (three-week suspension), and Aiden Sezer (one-week suspension).
Moreover, Papali’i’s injury comes amid confirmation that he will be released from his contract with the Tigers at the end of the season to join the Penrith Panthers in 2025. He has signed a three-year contract with the Panthers, extending until at least the end of the 2027 season. The final year of Papali’i’s contract has been bought out by the Panthers, relieving the Tigers of their financial obligations to Penrith.
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