Papali’i’s is closing in on the Raiders’ all-time record of games played. Photo: Jayze Photography.
At 33 years of age, Josh Papali’i’s role at the Raiders this season has been as an impact player off the bench.
In Round 6 against Parramatta in Darwin, Papa played for 46 minutes, while against the Bulldogs in Round 10, he was on the field for just 32 minutes.
This compares with Joe Tapine, who played 60 minutes against the Bulldogs, and Corey Horsburgh, who was on the field for 59 minutes twice this season.
Papali’i fulfils a role by providing experience and physicality, particularly when Tapine is off the field.
Josh Papali’i in March 2024 at GIO Stadium. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
Initially, it was thought that Papali’i would be retiring at the end of the season, but it has since emerged that he may be seeking to either go around again for one more year with the Raiders or head to the UK Super League.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said further talks will take place with Papali’i later in the current season.
“He could easily do another year here or two in England. We are giving him space, and we will revisit talks with him later in the year,” says Furner.
In the meantime, the focus is on an impending milestone.
Papali’i has now played 316 NRL games for the Raiders, putting him two shy of the all-time club record of 318 set by Jason Croker.
If things go to plan, he will equal the record by playing the away game against the Roosters and break the record the following weekend against the Rabbitohs on 8 June at Canberra Stadium.
If he were to negotiate another contract with the Raiders, he would likely face a hefty cut from his reported $800,000 a year salary. And apart from playing, he would also need to work with the next generation of props coming through the Raiders’ ranks.
Josh Papalii celebrated game number 200 against the Melbourne Storm in 2020. Photo: Canberra Raiders.
But for the time being, the focus is on reaching a milestone that may have appeared somewhat elusive 12 years ago when he signed a three-year deal with Parramatta, only to renege and re-sign with the Raiders. And who could forget in 2018 when he was dropped to reserve grade? His renewed form from that time on has solidified his reputation as a legend of the club.
