Josh Papalii’s incredible year, which could well have been his last with the Green Machine, has been topped off with a new contract and life membership.
The 2025 season for Papalii included a return to State of Origin and series win, becoming the most capped Raider, which was topped off with two tries and a conversion, and becoming a father for the fourth time.
More recently, he re-signed with the club for another year, and at the Canberra Raiders Meninga Medal awards on Monday night, he became a life member of the club.
Papalii told CD it was around Round 6 when he “thought I was gone” from the club.
“I went to the club to see where negotiations were at and my manager came back and said, ‘I think we’ve got to look around,’” he said.
“So, I personally didn’t. I left it for a few weeks and there were rumours coming out that Super League was an option. Then all these NRL clubs were popping up and I did not talk to one.”
Papalii said while everyone made speculations about where he was going, he knew he made the right decision to stay with the Raiders.
“Not only for myself, but my wife, my children, obviously they’re going to be there no matter what, whether my friends are here or not,” Papalii told CD.
“So, I made this decision for my family, and I think I decided right in the end.
“And then to be fair, I’ve been here the longest out of the playing group at the moment.
“I feel like I’m at home at the moment and playing some decent footy, so it’s sort of all just helped my decision.”
The mural of Jason Croker, Jarrod Croker and Josh Papalii at the Dickson shops. Photo: Lillian Altman
He said there was just one more thing to do to top off the “crazy year so far”.
“That’s win the comp this year. And that’s the cherry on top,” Papalii said.
The prop joined the Raiders in 2011 and has made 328 appearances for his team since, including the 2019 Grand Final against the Sydney Roosters.
Looking back at the Raiders’ loss against the Brisbane Broncos in a sold-out home Qualifying Final on Sunday, Papalii said while it was a disappointment, it was also a learning curve.
“For not only players like me and Joe Taps (captain Joe Tapine) who are more experienced, but all the younger boys that are playing their first finals game and get to be a part of it,” he said.
“To finally see the atmosphere of the Canberra fans. Just a great turnout for the club but like I said before, we were on the wrong side of the result there.
“I’m turning up with a smile on my face. I’m holding my head up high, I think that’s all we can do at this stage and obviously just turn up on Thursday (to training) with a positive mindset to train well.
“And then hopefully go out on Saturday and perform well.”
Leading up to the game, there was uncertainty as to whether Papalii would play due to an ankle injury.
“Yeah, still a bit throbby, to be honest. It’s still swollen,” he said.
“It wasn’t mind games; I definitely hurt my ankle. But obviously just sat on the ice machine for two-and-a-half days just to try to get it as good as I could to perform on Sunday.”
Jarrod Croker, Jason Croker and Josh Papalii with their Life Member awards. Photo courtesy of the Canberra Raiders
He said it did – but also didn’t – have an impact on the way he played on Sunday.
“There were a few question marks over myself and my ability but once I got out there and warmed up and you could hear the Canberra crowd, adrenaline took over,” Papalii said.
“I mean, I couldn’t put my boot on properly but other than that, I was fine.
“I’ve had injuries before that have held me back a little bit, but once I hear the crowd, I’m all guns blazing.”
Papalii said following the match, coach Ricky Stuart messaged the players telling them to hold their heads up and remain confident in their ability to get the job done.
On Tuesday, Ricky named the same 17 that played in week one of the finals to take on the Sutherland-Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium this Saturday night, which is expected to sell out.
Legend-ary mural in Dickson:
A mural by artist Fangaroo has popped up in the main shopping strip of Dickson in honour of the Raiders’ three most-capped players: Papalii, Jason Croker and Jarrod Croker.
Papalii said it was cool to get the recognition for his longevity in the game.
“My barber’s actually just right around the corner, so just driving past and seeing the painting there is obviously cool,” he told CD.
There is also another mural of Papalii in Turner.
Jarrod Croker told CD it was nice to be recognised.
“Especially alongside those two legends as well,” he said.
“Old Toots (Jason) I’m good mates with him; there have been lots of good times together.
“Papa is one of my great mates and teammates, our kids have grown up together. [It’s fantastic] to see him still here and breaking records.”
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