Papali’i’s huge pay cut

Formerwarriors forward Isaiah Papali’i’s case as the NRL’S buy of the year has been further strengthened by a report that he took a $200,000 pay cut to join Parramatta. Papali’i, who has been a revelation for the Eels this season, was tipped for big things at thewarriors after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2017 but a difference of opinion between the club and the player last season over his best position led to him taking up new opportunity across the Tasman. Fox Sports has since revealed that the move came with a huge financial sacrifice for the 22-year-old, whowas reportedly earning upwards of $350,000 last year. His two-year deal with the Eels is worth around $150,000 a season, according to the report.