'Up there with Mal and Lazzo': Papa joins Raiders greats

In a club steeped in legends, Josh Papali'i now stands beside them, not just in name, but in history.

On a rain-swept cold afternoon that seemed to mirror the emotion swirling around GIO Stadium, Papali'i etched his name into immorality becoming the most capped player in the proud history of the Canberra Raiders.

“That will be a memory that we all will probably never forget,” said coach Ricky Stuart.

“One of our most loved players, one of our greats. I’m so happy for him because the boys did it for him."

The scenes before kick-off were as moving as the contest itself. Papali'i, walked out alongside his son as they were greeted by a guard of honour of his closest family and friends.

“Walking out with my older son, that was something special and then obviously you see my parents, all my family and friends and you know, the boys just making me feel love so. Yeah, just mixed emotions, lost for words. I love this club very much so yeah. The way the game panned out, you know, that was special.” Papali'i said post-game.

At 32 years of age, and with a resume that includes State of Origin, international duties for both Samoa and Australia, and now 319 games for the Raiders, Papali'i’s impact remains ever present.

“He is more of a mate than a guy I coach.” Stuart said in the post-match press conference with heartfelt honesty.

“When I spoke to Papa before the game about something; I have never seen a man more on. I knew we were going to be hard to beat.”

That bond is echoed by teammates, many who see Papali'i not only as a mentor but a brother; especially Raiders captain Joseph Tapine.

“You get emotional because you see his family standing there and what he has done for his family and what he does for this club," Tapine said.

"He is such a close mate for me, and I take parts out of his game and his life, and I apply it to mine. He is a great role model for young Pasifika and Māori boys coming through.”

A legend of the game himself, Ricky Stuart’s praise for Papali'i is more than symbolic.

“This is not emotional, this is not a rash statement. Our greats at this club are real greats; you have Mal Meninga, you’ve got Glenn Lazarus, you’ve got Laurie Daley, you've got Bradley Clyde. You put Josh Papali'i in there now, and that is without any emotion, that is just fact. That’s how good of a player he is, and you have only got to go back and look at his career,” Stuart said.

After a long, influential career, Papali'i holds a legacy that will define the future of the Canberra Raiders. Stuart knows it, the fans know it, and so do the emerging players learning under his wing.

“Our next four or five years… we should have a good strong squad. Those younger players, combined with guys like Joe, Hudson, Tommy, and Big Red… we are going to form a very formidable football team.” Stuart said.

Papalii’s role in building that foundation extends far beyond his match playing days.

“There’s always potential, always belief. But when you work on your craft, when you go for coffees and lunches and build that camaraderie… it does mean something special. We’re building something very strong down here.” Papali'i told NRL.com.

A sold out GIO Stadium showed up on one of Canberra’s coldest afternoons this year to cheer on the big Raider #300 in his milestone game.

He may be the most capped Raiders player, but to those around him, Papali'i is more than just a number. He is a leader and a warrior that bleeds green, and they all love him.

“I’m a bit older than these young fellas… but my goal is to turn up every day in the right mind frame. You never know who you’re affecting. If I can come with a positive attitude… maybe I’m making someone better,” a humble Papali'i stated.