Isaiah Papali’i, Reed Mahoney, and Marata Niukore’s key takeaways as Parramatta Eels players
Most people experienced different emotions after the grand final than Isaiah Papali’i, Reed Mahoney, and Marata Niukore. BRENDAN BRADFORD speaks with Parramatta’s three departing players.
Isaiah Papali’i has finally announced he will play with the Tigers next season, putting an end to months of doubt over his future.
Meanwhile, an emotional Reed Mahoney says it didn’t hit him until the full-time siren rang in Sunday’s grand final that he was leaving Parramatta, and Marata Niukore’s exit from the Eels hit him “like a ton of bricks.”
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The Parramatta Eels forward has announced his retirement.
“It may not be the ending I would have liked, but truth is, I lived my fairytale for five years.”
Andrew Davey, a forward with the Parramatta Eels, has announced his retirement from rugby league following five seasons in the NRL.
Davey’s departure from the game came after medical professionals advised him to put up his boots.
After making his NRL debut with the Parramatta Eels in 2020, he would play 44 games for the Eels, Manly Sea Eagles, and Canterbury Bulldogs over the next four years.
He returned to the Eels as a mid-season transfer in Round 10 of 2023, but only played in 12 games due to two concussions.
His career also included earning the Mackay Cutters Rookie of the Year Award in 2016, appearing in the 2019 NSW Cup Grand Final, and being the NRL’s fourth-oldest rookie at 28 years and 233 days.
“For a battler from Central Queensland who wasn’t supposed to play one game of NRL, this career has plenty for me to be proud of,” Davey said in an e-mail statement.
“It may not have been the ending I had hoped for, but the truth is that I lived my fairytale for five years.”
“I’d like to thank the Parramatta Eels administration, medical team, and all coaches at the club for their genuine care and support throughout this process; I couldn’t have asked for better treatment in making this decision.”
“I’m extremely grateful to have such supportive family and friends and I’m also proud of the lifelong friendships I made during my time in the NRL.”
With Davey’s retirement, the Bulldogs are expected to gain some relief from the NRL, given that they are paying a portion of his contract at the Eels after his surprising mid-season departure.
Mark O’Neill, General Manager of Football of the Parramatta Eels, remarked on Davey’s departure and wished him well in the future.
“Andrew has always had a great work ethic, his desire and drive to make it in the NRL is admirable,” O’Neill said in a statement.
“He has set himself up for success outside of football and we wish him all the best for his future.”
