Ricky Stuart reveals news about Josh Papalii and wife with brilliant gesture for Raiders hero….
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart announced that Josh Papali’i’s wife, Sepa, gave birth to a baby boy—named Jeremiah—on the afternoon of June 27, 2025, just hours before the Raiders’ match against the Knights .
Recognising the significance of the moment and Sepa’s sacrifice—especially so soon after giving birth—Stuart had Papali’i join the post-game press conference, sitting alongside him and teammate Joe Tapine .
> “The reason I bought Paps along today, an unbelievable sacrifice from Sepa Papalii … she wanted Josh to go away and play.”
The gesture came after Papali’i became the most-capped player in Raiders’ history last week. Canberra went on to beat Newcastle 22‑18, moving to the top of the NRL ladder .
> “Pretty excited … Can’t wait to go back and check on the wife and hold my new son.”
He also revealed a playful pact: his wife said, “make sure we come home with the two points and she’ll deliver the baby”—and they achieved both .
Family first Sepa’s decision to support Josh even right after childbirth shows real dedication and teamwork, and Stuart’s gesture amplified that.
On-field milestone Papali’i’s appearance at the presser underscored his record-breaking Raider legacy.
Human moment amid sport It was a reminder that behind every athlete is a family—and sometimes, a coach who cares just as much off the field.
In short: Ricky Stuart honoured Papali’i and his new son’s arrival by inviting him on stage, recognizing not only a milestone career moment but also the loving sacrifice of Sepa Papali’i. It was one of those feel-good moments that transcended sport.
Let me know if you’d like deeper insight on Papali’i’s Raiders career, speech from Sepa’s perspective, or anything else!
