A rumoured St Helens signing for next year has admitted that it could be his final season in the NRL with his current club.
Veteran Josh Papali’i has shared that this could be his last season with Canberra Raiders, due to limited minutes with the NRL side.
Over the weekend, Papali’i became the Raiders all-time appearance maker, overtaking Jason Croker, with his 319th first-grade game, after starting in the number eight shirt against South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday.
There have been a number of reports linking him with a move to St Helens in Super League, with a stint in the UK for the 2026 season said to be on his radar.
However, the 33-year-old has not stated where he intends to be playing from next season onwards, just that he isn’t ready to retire just yet.
Speaking on Chris Coleman’s show on iHeart Radio, he said: “I think when it comes to the end of 2025, it will be the last time people see myself in a green jersey.
“That’s just where the club’s at at the moment and where I’m at. Obviously, I would love to keep playing on – but it just won’t be in Canberra.”
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Canberra head coach Ricky Stuart has selected forwards Joseph Tapine, Corey Horsburgh and Ata Mariota often ahead of Papali’i in the pecking order in the front row.
However, Papali’i is grateful to have spent fifteen years at the Raiders, but hopes that he’s repaid the club with his efforts on and off the field.
He added: “I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t (disappointment), because I love Canberra.
“You’re not going to find too many players that bleed green more than I do, especially when I play this weekend, and obviously rewrite the history books.
“But playing-wise, I really hope myself and the squad do something special this year for sure.
“I love this club. I love the community, I love Canberra. I hope I have repaid that with love and sacrifice and the way I’ve gone about my craft.”
