Gorden Tallis stirred up more controversy over Raiders star Josh Papalii’s ankle injury by pointing out a hole in the Canberra club’s claims surrounding their star forward.

FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >

The timing of Papalii’s injury a week out from the finals despite being rested for the final game of the regular season, sparked conspiracy theories the Raiders were playing mind games.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

However, The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio showed a picture of Papalii’s ankle, which was heavily bruised along with a separate photo of him in a moon boot.

“He missed yesterday’s media opportunity, he was in the moon boot,” Riccio said on NRL 360.

“So it is real? He’s injured?” Braith Anasta joked.

“Is that his ankle there?” Tallis asked.

“That’s his ankle, that’s not AI. It’s not cut and paste job, that’s it, it’s nasty,” Riccio replied.

“When I first picked up on this story earlier this week, talking to the Raiders, the explanation I was given when he went down in the scrimmage session last Friday. Last Friday, he collapses.”

MORE NRL NEWS

‘BAD COMMUNICATOR’: Shock as Bulldogs’ reasons for axing star revealed

‘RIDICULOUS ARGUMENT’: Former NRL great bristles at Roosters claim

‘SOMEONE MUST BE LEAKING’: Madge hits back at ‘comical’ Broncos bus claim

Josh Papalii injury conspiracy theory.Source: FOX SPORTS

However, Tallis interjected with some eagle eye observations on the photos of Papalii.

“Hold on, can I say something? What foot’s that?” Tallis asked.

“It looks like right, doesn’t it?” Riccio replied.

“What foot is the moon boot on?” Tallis said.

The photo of the moon boot cleary showed it was his left ankle, but the image of his injured foot appeared to be the right ankle.

“Oooooh, Gorden Tallis,” Anasta said.

“Two nights in a row. Breaking news.”

Riccio pointed out that the photo could have been reversed.

“Maybe it’s a flipped photo or cropped poorly,” Riccio said.

Tallis couldn’t resist a lighthearted dig but stuck by his observations.

“Sorry, Dave. I want to check this. I just looked at that and I went, OK, that’s his right ankle. Well, that’s brutal. That looks painful,” Tallis said.

“5 Origin Players” – Roosters debate | 04:31

“Then I saw the moon boot. Sorry I don’t want to put holes in your story.”

Then Riccio got in on the conspiracy.

“No, you can’t, fake bruises or is the boot on the wrong foot,” Riccio joked.

Anasta agreed the photo had been reversed after being sent via text message.

“It could be flipped,” Anasta said.

“I think it’s a flipped shot through text messages. That’s my prediction.”

Then producers then found the original to put Tallis’ conspiracy to bed.

“There’s the original, so everyone can calm down,” Anasta said.

But Ginnane couldn’t resist carrying on the conspiracy further.

“Or maybe that shot is reversed,” Ginnane joked.

Mahoney Axed! Sexton In – Dogs shake-up | 06:19

Conspiracy’s aside, Ginnane believes the Raiders can’t afford to be without Papalii for their clash with the Broncos and their star forward pack.

“This is the game they need him because this is a battle of the forwards right?” Ginnane said. “Let’s say they go on and play pretty much anyone in the finals, you’ve still got Tapine and you’ve still got Big Red (Horsburgh) and you could probably still hold your own.

“This game they need him because they’ve got to dominate Haas and Carrigan and Jensen and Co. Haas and Carrigan, the big ones.

“No Willison is interesting because they were hoping to have him back, but they need Papalii. They need his presence, especially a big event game like this.”

Sharks launch defence of home ground | 02:31

Riccio believes the tides have turned in the Broncos favour late in the season, but Papalii will still be given every chance to play.

“We were worried about Payne Haas staying on the field 10 weeks ago,” Riccio said.

“Remember, his body wasn’t holding up to the rigours and he couldn’t train through the week.

This is a forward battle. Look, big Pappa, I hope I don’t see a photo tomorrow of the moon boot on the right foot.

“But I understand they’ll get him right up until Saturday, captain’s run.”