ive tried to be civil
its a shitty situation. I dont like the rule. In fact i hate it, he signed a deal, that should be that, but its not under the rules. We've been on the wrong end of it (and thanfully because N.SMith is shit) but now we even the ledger. I am pleased but i still dont like the rule and i think now this is sorted (in fairness to my club's favour) it needs to get sorted.
Im stoked to have Papalii staying with my club but i acknowledge he did it the wrong way. He's made his bed, he'll lay in it, which ever way it goes for his future in 2016.
Shitty rule, im hopeful the league makes this the last time it's able to be exploited. Lesson learnt here on both parties.
Let's be honest, it's a pretty crappy situation for you guys as well??
I'm of the opinion that Papali will be a multiple Origin series kind of player. HOWEVER, if the Raiders had offered him $250-300k a season 3 months ago, I reckon you would've got him at a bargain price.
Now he's costing you $430k per season, and only because he signed that amount with Parra first. It might cost you one of the other talented youngsters??
Anyway, I have no issue with Papali or the Raiders doing what they did. Those are the rules, and I seriously doubt the bloke signed a $430k per season deal with Parra in order to extort that amount out of the Raiders. He was happy enough to move on for the cash offered, but when the Raiders said they'd give the same, he stayed. Good luck to him (but not to the Raiders - hope you lose all your games so that the Eels only come 2nd last, nothing personal, just don't want another spoon!).
On the positive side, we can throw that $400k at someone else, we're not waiting until round 13 (Raiders could've screwed us on that front by holding out until round 12 to announce Papali was exercising the clause!)
