O
Canberra Raiders veteran and Queensland Maroons enforcer Joshua Papali’i has officially announced his decision to join the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, in a move that has stunned fans and pundits alike. The powerhouse forward, who has spent over a decade at the Raiders and become a club legend, cited his desire for a new challenge and to help build a winning culture at Belmore.
“I’ve loved every minute at Canberra, but I felt the time was right for a change,” Papali’i said in a statement. “The Bulldogs have shown me their vision and commitment to success, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”
Sources close to the club reveal the Bulldogs pitched an ambitious plan that included a leadership role for Papali’i, both on and off the field. With a growing roster of young talent, the Bulldogs see the addition of Papali’i as a crucial piece in their push to return to premiership contention.
The 32-year-old will join Canterbury at the end of the current NRL season, ending his illustrious stint in the nation’s capital. Raiders fans will no doubt be saddened by the news, but Papali’i leaves with the utmost respect and gratitude from t
he club.
