Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is proving his worth as one the best coaches in the NRL to start the 2024 season, with his side flying high in sixth place.
Many fans and pundits had the Raiders as runaway favourites to finish in last place but Stuart’s men have blown away all pre-season expectations to start the season with a 6-4 record.
The Raiders have been able to produce this magical start without their star halfback Jamal Fogarty for the majority of the season, with the experienced forward pack carrying the side through this.
Key to all of the side’s success has been veteran forward, Josh Papalii, someone who Stuart says reminds him a lot of NRL immortal and club legend Mal Meninga.
“He’s very similar to a Mal Meninga for me,” Stuart said on SEN 1170 Sportsday.
“When I ran on with Mal Meninga, I didn’t care if Mal Meninga played well or played poorly, I was always more confident and had belief in what I could do, that’s what Josh Papalii brings to the boys as well.”
Papalii announced his retirement from the Origin arena at the start of the 2023 season, leading to a career resurgence with Canberra.
“Papa probably found Origin now a little bit fast and he was only playing short amount of minutes, I think that people lose sight of or underestimate the influence he has on a game still,” Stuart continued.
“As Billy Slater said, the smaller amount of minutes he played in Origin, he did a great job for them, they were still winning games and winning series.
“I do not ever underestimate what Josh Papalii brings to the green jumper.”
Papalii is expected to be named this week as the Raiders host the Sydney Roosters on Saturday afternoon in what could be tricky conditions for the visitors.