The Penrith Panthers have landed a major coup ahead of the 2025 NRL season, securing the signature of powerful New Zealand back-rower Isaiah Papali’i on a four-year deal. The move comes after Papali’i was granted an early release from the final year of his contract with the Wests Tigers, paving the way for one of the most high-impact signings of the offseason.
The 25-year-old Kiwi international is expected to slot straight into Penrith’s back row, helping fill the void left by the departure of James Fisher-Harris, who returned to New Zealand to join the Warriors. Papali’i brings with him explosive running, defensive steel, and finals experience—assets that will be vital as Penrith looks to extend its era of dominance into a new chapter.
> “This is a massive addition for us,” a Panthers club official said. “Isaiah’s power, maturity, and work ethic make him a perfect fit for what we’re building post-Luai and Fisher-Harris.”
The $900,000-per-year deal will keep Papali’i at the foot of the mountains through the end of the 2028 season, marking one of the club’s most expensive signings in recent years. His recruitment is part of a broader strategy by Penrith to remain a powerhouse in the post-premiership era.
The Panthers have also signed rising Parramatta playmaker Blaize Talagi, widely expected to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves next season, along with young forward Harry Armstrong and edge utility Asu Kepaoa.
