A combination of hard work, a focus on accountability and an attitude shift has Josiah Karapani one win away from achieving his grand final dream.
Now a mainstay in the Broncos team, Karapani underwent a steep learning curve this season, spending time with Burleigh Bears in the Hostplus Cup as he worked on his game.
Josiah Karapani takes a high ball against Penrith.
©Scott Davis / NRL Images
Buoyed by the trust coach Michael Maguire has put into his development, the 23-year-old scored six tries in nine Cup appearances, mainly early in 2025, and 11 tries in 12 NRL appearances.
“Madge had trust in me and I knew there was a lot of pressure … but I think pressure is good … I’ve just got to do what I believe I’m capable of, just do my job,” Karapani said.
“I’m just doing a job in the best possible way I can.”
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Last time they met: Storm v Broncos
Noticeably tested in the stunning preliminary final win over the Panthers, Karapani withstood a bombardment from Nathan Cleary and looking to Sunday’s decider, he was expecting to contend with the likes of Eliesa Katoa. His ‘twin’ on the other wing Deine Mariner would have Xavier Coates as an aerial threat.
“We do a lot of reps to get prepared and I felt pretty confident taking those balls,” Karapani said.
“If they want to keep kicking it to me, then I’m still going to run hard.
“I was actually happy they kicked it to me, because I really wanted to run the ball back for the boys and I know how important it is to create that momentum for the team.
“Us as a back five, we have a big role to start the momentum and we know how much the forwards defend for us and we’ve just got to give back to them.
“Katoa, he’s been really good the last few weeks, and their wingers as well, but we’ve done enough study on them before.
“We’ve played them twice in the past two months and we know how they play, we’ve just go to work hard on the little details and I know we’ll do that.”
This level of confidence is a sign of how far Karapani, who joined from South Sydney Rabbitohs before season 2024, has come since moving to Brisbane.
While hard work has paid its part, the Auckland-born back credited the culture at the Broncos and support from his teammates, in particular Delouise Hoeter, for his success.
“My head space wasn’t really right (at Rabbitohs) … it got to a point where I didn’t care anymore and I thought ‘this is it’ of trying to make it to NRL,” Karapani said.
“Came up here for a chance. The boys here, they keep me accountable… they’re always asking if I’m doing things well off the field.
“The culture is just something that stands out at this club. It’s been helping me a lot.
“Dela is always messaging me… making sure that I’m doing things right.
“I know I need to work my butt off. Nothing comes easy.
“I felt like if I just worked that extra mile, I’d get to the point that I’m at… I know it’s not an easy club to come through, to make a spot on the team, you’ve really got to work hard and get the other things right as well, that I didn’t get right in Sydney.”
Josiah Karapani started season 2025 with Burleigh Bears.
©Jason O’Brien / QRL
His time spent at the Bears the past two seasons under coach Luke Burt has also made an impact and he said he was thrilled the side would feature in the NRL National Championship game, taking on the NSW Cup winners the Warriors.
“(Burt) helps me a lot, he always talks to me, every week, saying he really wants to build me up,” Karapani said.
“He’s so genuine about it. He’s always helping me and he always trusts me. He always says he sees a lot in me.”
Delouise Hoeter has been a mentor for Josiah Karapani.
©Gregg Porteous / NRL Images
While Hoeter has only made one on-field appearance for the Broncos this season, the popular squad member said it was important to him to “to add value at the club in any way possible – on and off the field”, including mentoring younger players.
“I’m so proud of Josiah, he’s done an amazing job all year,” Hoeter said.
“To be fair, it’s … the whole team, I’m proud of. Deine Mariner has been in the same boat – in and out of NRL this year and then at the back end of this year, they got an opportunity and to hold it and keep Selwyn Cobbo and Jesse Arthars out; Gehamat Shibasaki… so many good stories.
“Josiah’s work ethic (has kept him in the team)… he fights for everything, whether it’s in attack or defence.
“I feel like he’s one of the best when it comes to reading plays … and scrambling. For us, effort is everything … he’s not taking it for granted, I know that for sure.”
Acknowledging that only 17 players could make the cut for the grand final team, Hoeter said being part of the Broncos 2025 season had been an honour.
“Being able to be part of this journey, with this group of men, I’m just super grateful and appreciate that I can be part of it, be there to witness how great this team can be,” Hoeter said.
“Every team relies on depth to be able to win the comp.
“I think everyone’s mentality to push everyone to be at their best (has Broncos firing) because if they’re not; anyone can slot in.
“We have so many good players (Madge) can pick from.
“To see Josiah being able to play a grand final, come Sunday, I’m just super proud of him.
“I just can’t wait for the boys to prove themselves on Sunday and come away with the prize that we all train for.”