Panthers villain finds unlikely ally as Eels star Isaiah Papali’i says there was NO KICK

Plenty of Parramatta supporters were shocked that Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai stayed on the field in the NRL grand final on Sunday after appearing to kick Eels rival Isaiah Papali’i while he was on the ground.

With the Eels stampeding over the Eels and leading 12-0, winger Brian To’o charged into the defensive line and was tackled by Papali’i and Will Penisini.

The Eels centre fell away from the tackle, but Papali’i and To’o became involved in a wrestle.

Looking for a quick play-the-ball, Luai appeared to step into the ruck and kick the Parramatta forward.

The incident was missed by referee Ashley Klein and the NRL Bunker, but many Eels fans saw it and were left howling at not even getting a penalty for it.

However Papali’i himself has come forward to clear the air and said there was no kick involved and Luai had no case to answer for.

‘Nah, nah. Nah. There was no kick,’ Papali’i told CODE Sports.

‘I nudged him in the back and he was angry. That’s footy, there’s a bit of niggle.’

Luai and Papali’i are expected to be teammates for Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.

Following the World Cup, Papali’i confirmed he would honour his contract at Wests Tigers after rumours were swirling that he would backflip and stay at the Eels.

The rampaging forward said he had kept a lid on contract talks to focus on the finals series, but he would definitely be going to the Tigers next season. 

‘I wanted to make sure I focused on this year,’ Papali’i said.

‘I kept brushing it aside, but now that it’s said and done and the season’s over, I can publicly announce it and let everyone know that I’m going to the Tigers in 2023.’