LATEST NEWS: Canberra Raiders Top Star Confirms He Wants To Return……Canberra’s veteran prop **Josh Papali’i** has confirmed he wants to extend his playing career beyond the 2025 season—but not with the Raiders. At 33, Papali’i is set to become Canberra’s most capped player this Sunday in their clash with South Sydney, surpassing Jason Croker’s record ([espn.com.au][1]). Though he’s openly acknowledged that 2025 will be his “last time… in a green jersey,” he emphasized his determination to continue playing—likely in the Super League, with St Helens among the reported suitors ([espn.com.au][1]).
Papali’i didn’t hide his feelings, admitting, “I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t disappointment, because I love Canberra… You’re not going to find too many players that bleed green more than I do.” ([espn.com.au][1]). Still, he’s eager to chase new challenges overseas from 2026 onward, recognizing that the Raiders have a younger forward pack emerging.
In short, Papali’i will wrap up a storied Canberra career at the close of the 2025 NRL season—but don’t expect this powerhouse forward to be hanging up his boots just yet.
