{"id":54084,"date":"2025-07-13T13:47:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-13T13:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsportsrock.com\/?p=54084"},"modified":"2025-07-13T13:47:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-13T13:47:28","slug":"its-official-billy-slater-reveals-why-he-called-a-raiders-great-out-of-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsportsrock.com\/?p=54084","title":{"rendered":"It’s official! Billy Slater reveals why he called a Raiders great out of retirement…."},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

It\u2019s Official! Billy Slater Reveals Why He Called a Raiders Great Out of Retirement…<\/p>\n

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Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has stunned the rugby league world by officially calling Canberra Raiders legend Josh Papalii out of retirement. Slater confirmed the shock move ahead of next year\u2019s State of Origin series, citing Papalii\u2019s leadership, experience, and unmatched physical presence as key reasons behind the decision.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019ve got a young pack, and I needed someone who knows what it takes to win at Origin level,\u201d Slater explained. \u201cJosh has been there, done that \u2014 he\u2019s a warrior. He brings calm and fire in equal measure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Papalii, who retired from representative footy in 2023, said he was \u201chonoured and surprised\u201d by the call. Slater’s decision comes after Queensland’s bruising loss in Game III, with critics questioning the forward depth. With Papalii back in the mix, the Maroons will enter 2025 with renewed belief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a proud Queenslander,\u201d Slater added. \u201cWhen I asked, he didn\u2019t hesitate.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Origin arena just got a whole lot more intense.<\/p>\n\n

<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s Official! Billy Slater Reveals Why He Called a Raiders Great Out of Retirement…   Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has stunned the rugby league world by officially calling Canberra Raiders legend Josh Papalii out of retirement. Slater confirmed the shock move ahead of next year\u2019s State of Origin series, citing Papalii\u2019s leadership, experience, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":54085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[701],"class_list":["post-54084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-canberra-raiders"],"yoast_head":"\nIt\u2019s Official! Billy Slater Reveals Why He Called a Raiders Great Out of Retirement...<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It\u2019s Official! 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