Papalii admits 2026 likely his final season with Canberra

Josh Papalii has conceded that he believes 2026 will be his final year with the Raiders, as the Canberra fan-favourite nears the end of his glittering NRL career.

Papalii is 34 this year and is in the final year of his contract after a 16-year career in the nation’s capital.

Having played 330 games for the club, Papalii is the all-time record holder for most games played at the Raiders, and has also represented Queensland on 24 occasions, four occasions for Australia, and 10 times for Samoa.

The veteran prop is a life member of the Raiders, an Origin winner, and a 2013 World Cup winner, but as his glittering career draws to an end, Papalii admits that it’s his love of the game that keeps him going.

“I think just in general, I just love it,” Papalii told SEN 1170 Sportsday.

“I love winning. I love grinding with the boys.

“I've got some shit old knees, but when we're going to war with the group of boys that's here now, I just have to pinpoint… I just absolutely love playing footy.

“I'm going to go until the wheels fall off, but I do believe, in my heart, that this is going to be my last one for the Raiders, and that's just where I left it at the moment.”

Papalii made a heroic return to the Origin arena in 2025, called out of retirement by Billy Slater to help Queensland to an iconic series win after returning to his best form in the Raiders’ minor premiership season.

When you’ve played as many games as Papalii has, and accomplished everything you can in the game, it’s surprising to hear the Raiders’ great admit the thing he’ll miss the most when he retires is the quiet moments in the sheds after a match.

“Let me tell you, times have changed, mate,” Papalii said.

“There's no more Jarrod Croker sitting around. There's no more old lads willing to sit around and have a few beers.

“These young boys, as soon as they get off the field, they're the first ones in the shower, and they're out of there before I even get in.

“That's definitely something I'll miss is, old times, where we just sit and just recap on the game. Not even the game, just enjoying each other's company.

“You don't think about the games that you played and you think about all the friendships and the bonds that you create over your career.”

Papalii returns from concussion against the Bulldogs this round, the side he played his 300th game against, in Canberra’s first game at home.