The Canberra Raiders have confirmed that veteran forward Josh Papalii has re-signed with the club for the 2026 NRL season.
Papalii, one of the most decorated forwards in Raiders history, has been a mainstay in the Green Machine pack since making his debut in 2011. With over 280 NRL appearances, the 33-year-old prop has been a cornerstone of the club’s forward rotation for more than a decade, combining consistency, toughness, and leadership.
The timing of his re-signing is significant. Canberra head into the 2025 NRL Finals Series with renewed hope of breaking their 31-year premiership drought, last lifting the Provan-Summons Trophy in 1994. Papalii’s experience in high-pressure matches — from Grand Finals to State of Origin and international Tests — will be invaluable as Ricky Stuart’s men attempt to deliver long-awaited glory to the capital.
A veteran of Queensland Origin campaigns, multiple Test matches for Australia and Samoa, and a crucial figure in Canberra’s run to the 2019 NRL Grand Final, Papalii brings a wealth of big-game knowledge. His presence in the middle gives the Raiders confidence, with younger forwards such as Joseph Tapine, Corey Horsburgh, and Trey Mooney benefiting from his leadership.
While 2026 is expected to be his final year in the NRL, Papalii remains hungry for success and committed to the Raiders’ cause. His extension ensures that one of the club’s modern-day legends will get at least one more season to inspire the Green Machine faithful.
📊 Quick Facts
- Player: Josh Papalii
- Age: 33
- Position: Prop / Lock
- NRL Debut: 2011 for Canberra Raiders
- NRL Appearances: 327
- Representative Honours: Queensland Maroons (Origin), Samoa, Australia
- Contract: Re-signed with Raiders for 2026
📅 Career Timeline
- 2011: Debuts for Canberra Raiders
- 2013–2018: Regular for Queensland Maroons in State of Origin
- 2017: Represents Samoa at Rugby League World Cup
- 2019: Plays key role in Raiders’ Grand Final appearance
- 2022: Represents Samoa at Rugby League World Cup Final
- 2025: Re-signs with Canberra for 2026
🔗 Official Club Announcement: Raiders.com.au
