Josh Papalii has officially confirmed he is seeking an extension with the Raiders and has clarified why he sought a move to England earlier….
He’s confirmed that he’s now seeking an extension with the Raiders for 2026. After previously hinting at leaving, the veteran forward has made it clear his intention is to stay with Canberra.
Earlier talk of a move to England (Super League) has been ruled out. Papali’i explained that aiming to play in next year’s Rugby League World Cup influenced his desire to remain in the NRL—it’d be “hard to do it from England.”
The Raiders have responded positively, reportedly offering him a one-year extension. The club sees Papali’i as an exception amid a youth-focused rebuild and values what he brings both on and off the field.
Papali’i also expressed that his previous statements about leaving stemmed from feeling he wasn’t performing at his best. He admitted he “wasn’t in a good place” back then, but now believes he’s earned his spot again.
In summary: Josh Papali’i has officially confirmed he wants to stay with the Raiders and is seeking a new deal. He’s ruled out a move to England, motivated by his World Cup aspirations, and Canberra seems eager to keep him around for at least another season.
Let me know if you’d like deeper insights into the Raiders’ contract approach, Papali’i’s career plans beyond 2026, or World Cup implications!
