Bartman, i'd love to hear the sound grabs of those words... And i mean this entirely as not to offend Josh, but anyone who has heard the guy speak to the media will tell you those are very strange quotes.
Given he wasnt there at the media conference, but was in Canberra preparing for a trail, i might suggest that when he signed the deal, some two weeks ago (before perhaps his 2nd thoughts come into play) his manager drafted a written statement and Papalii signed it to be read out at the appropriate time.
Papalii can end this saga any time he wants, the media will be itching to get some direct quotes, rather than written statement read out by someone else. All he has to do is say "Im committed to Parramatta in 2014 and am looking forward to finishing off strongly with the Raiders"
The fact he hasnt done so, and the fact Canberra are still quite adamant he wants to stay, so adamant in fact they are working their tails off to arrange 3rd party deals to bring our offer in line with Parramatta's, combined with the desperation (imo of course, you'll of course disagree and suggest the desperation is on our side and it is, i think it's coming both ways, both clubs are desperate to have this kid apart of their future) being showed in forms of an early press conference (Surely Parra would want to trumpet their big signing by parading him in front of the cameras holding a jersey up as per standard procedure.) and what appears to be some interesting tactics to try and pressure Papalii into honoring the deal (i dont blame them for this btw, id want the raiders to do the same in similar circumstances)... it's becoming abundantly clear as the days drag on that Papalii is not yet a done deal.
You can deny it if you like. Say we're in denial at losing a talented footballer. Both fan bases can play the denial game against the other if they choose, but the facts are if it was as clear cut and dry as you are pretending, we wouldnt be having this dicussion.
The longer Papalii stays mum on this, the more it seems like the Raiders side of things, has serious merit.
Papalii should come out, no manager, no Stuart, Edwards, Furners or anyone and just speak from his heart as to what he wants for his future. If that's parra so be it, and good luck to him and there is nothing we can do except hope to send him out on a high. But if its Canberra he wants... this thing is not going to go quietly into the night for Parramatta fans, and sticking your heads in the ground and saying "he's signed a deal, he's definitely coming, dont worry about" would be foolish
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