Raiders veteran has revealed he is in negotiations over a new contract with the club.
He can negotiate with rival clubs for 2025.
Canberra Raiders senior prop Josh Papalii has confirmed that he is in contract talks with the club.
Papalii was rumored to be one of several players contemplating retirement at the end of the 2024 season.
It is almost certain that English-born second-rower Elliott Whitehead and experienced outside back Jordan Rapana will retire following another season in the nation’s capital.
However, it appears that Papalii, who elected to retire from State of Origin obligations before of the 2023 series with the Queensland Maroons, will not be adding his name to that list, which could be viewed as a huge boost for a Raiders team that has a number of young players on their way through.
The experienced prop disclosed to The Canberra Times that talks are underway, but he is unsure what the eventual result will be.
“Discussions are ongoing with my management team and the club,” Papali’i stated on Friday.
“We’re having discussions while we’re training right now.”
“I’m not certain on how it’s going to pan out, but hopefully we’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.”
At 31 years old and now completely dedicated to the Green Machine, Papalii will be one of the key names for the Green Machine in 2024, with the club wanting to replace Jack Wighton at five-eighth.
Ricky Stuart’s side will also be hoping for the ongoing development of front-rowers like Ata Mariota and Hohepa Puru, with Papalii expected to play a mentoring role as well as an on-field one at the club.
Papalii is thought to have a mutual option with the club for 2025, but it’s unclear if it will be exercised or if a new deal – maybe with a minor wage decrease – will be discussed.
It’s also unknown whether Papalii would investigate options outside of the capital if an agreement with the Raiders isn’t reached.
