Raiders legend Josh Papalii has announced his retirement from rugby league, with the club’s most-capped player to run out at home for the final time when the Green Machine takes on the battling Broncos.
Papalii made his NRL debut back in 2011, with Friday’s clash to be his 341st for his beloved Raiders.
The Raiders will celebrate the occasion by renaming GIO Stadium “Papa’s House” on Friday night to recognise his enormous contribution to the club.
The former Queensland, Australia and Samoa representative will go down as one of the greatest forwards of the modern era.
Papalii played 157 of his 340 matches at GIO Stadium and has scored 67 tries across his NRL career in 16 seasons.
The 34-year-old had previously been linked with a move to the English Super League but will instead finish his career as a one-club man who has gone from a powerhouse on the edge to one of rugby league’s most feared middles.
The veteran famously scored the clinching try in their 2019 preliminary final win over the Rabbitohs that saw them return to the biggest stage for the first time in 25 years.
Papalii also returned for last year’s State of Origin decider where he helped lead the Maroons to a famous game three victory in Sydney.
A mural was unveiled on Monday at GIO Stadium to remember his famous try in 2019, with the club to pay tribute to their legendary big man throughout the week.
Canberra will be hoping for a similar celebration to his record-breaking match last year in game 319 when he moved past Jason Croker to become the club’s most-capped player.
Papalii scored two tries that day in front of his home fans and even kicked a goal, with similar scenes on the cards when they face the defending premiers who are still a chance to claim the wooden spoon.
He will leave a huge hole in the middle next year, especially with Corey Horsburgh also expected to leave Canberra at the end of the season.
Originally published as Josh Papalii confirms he’ll retire after record-breaking career with Raiders