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The Advertiser
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Cleary turns Origin heartbreak into Panthers win
Nathan Cleary admits he may never get over NSW's loss in the State of Origin decider but hopes Penrith's 32-10 defeat of Parramatta is the first of many wins that the heartbreak inspires. Star halfback Cleary was devastated and under fire after Wednesday's game three defeat and woke up the morning of Sunday's match at CommBank Stadium with the result still playing on his mind. "I don't know if you ever fully get over it," said Cleary, adding a long chat with his father and club coach Ivan Cleary on Saturday had "made me feel a lot better". "In the past I've probably after a poor Origin performance, just tried to squash it and act like it didn't happen," he said. "This time I saw it as an opportunity to analyse it a bit more and try and delve deeper into why I didn't perform the way I wanted." Cleary played like a man unburdened when he came on from the bench in Parramatta, first triggering the shift that gave the Panthers an unlikely lead through Luke Garner after the half-time siren. He forced a dropout which helped put Izack Tago over after the break, then sealed the result with a show-and-go to burst past Joash Papalii and Sean Russell for a try in the final 10 minutes. "I came to the conclusion that it (the Origin loss) is only going to help me grow as a person and a player. Playing today gave me a good opportunity to test my character too," Cleary said. "That's an important thing. It's about how you move on and how you present to the team. You can only kick stones and feel sorry for yourself for so long." Cleary earned an early mark and watched as Lindsay Smith barged over for the Panthers' last try, which capped a stellar end to an Origin period that began woefully for Penrith. The Panthers' loss to struggling Newcastle in round 12 pushed them to last on the ladder and signalled the low point of their season. But they haven't lost since and emerge from the Origin period on course for a top-eight finish, having knocked off the Warriors and Eels without some of their biggest stars. A top-four berth remains on the cards for the resurgent Panthers, who won't face a team currently in the top-eight until mid-August. It's a far cry from the four-time reigning premiers' 1-5 start that sent shockwaves through the competition. "We lost five in a row and we just won five in a row so it's taken a long time to get the ledger back," said coach Cleary. "We'll finish where we deserve. We're still trying to build, we need to play better than what we did today. We did enough." Parramatta had a glimpse into their future, giving Papalii a chance at the starting five-eighth role he could land when Dylan Brown joins Newcastle next year. The recently re-signed Papalii had some good moments, but he and club debutant Tallyn Da Silva came up short of answers as the Eels chased points in the second half. Brown, shifted to starting hooker, inexplicably remained on the bench as the side cried out for attacking composure and only re-entered with the game out of reach in the final six minutes. Tago could face scrutiny from the match review committee for a hip-drop style tackle that injured Kitione Kautoga's left ankle but went undetected by referee Peter Gough. Coach Jason Ryles saw positives in a competitive first half for the rebuilding Eels. "The try before half-time didn't give the (12-10) scoreline the reflection of what the half actually was for us," said Ryles. "We had some really good things there and we want to keep building on that." Nathan Cleary admits he may never get over NSW's loss in the State of Origin decider but hopes Penrith's 32-10 defeat of Parramatta is the first of many wins that the heartbreak inspires. Star halfback Cleary was devastated and under fire after Wednesday's game three defeat and woke up the morning of Sunday's match at CommBank Stadium with the result still playing on his mind. "I don't know if you ever fully get over it," said Cleary, adding a long chat with his father and club coach Ivan Cleary on Saturday had "made me feel a lot better". "In the past I've probably after a poor Origin performance, just tried to squash it and act like it didn't happen," he said. "This time I saw it as an opportunity to analyse it a bit more and try and delve deeper into why I didn't perform the way I wanted." Cleary played like a man unburdened when he came on from the bench in Parramatta, first triggering the shift that gave the Panthers an unlikely lead through Luke Garner after the half-time siren. He forced a dropout which helped put Izack Tago over after the break, then sealed the result with a show-and-go to burst past Joash Papalii and Sean Russell for a try in the final 10 minutes. "I came to the conclusion that it (the Origin loss) is only going to help me grow as a person and a player. Playing today gave me a good opportunity to test my character too," Cleary said. "That's an important thing. It's about how you move on and how you present to the team. You can only kick stones and feel sorry for yourself for so long." Cleary earned an early mark and watched as Lindsay Smith barged over for the Panthers' last try, which capped a stellar end to an Origin period that began woefully for Penrith. The Panthers' loss to struggling Newcastle in round 12 pushed them to last on the ladder and signalled the low point of their season. But they haven't lost since and emerge from the Origin period on course for a top-eight finish, having knocked off the Warriors and Eels without some of their biggest stars. A top-four berth remains on the cards for the resurgent Panthers, who won't face a team currently in the top-eight until mid-August. It's a far cry from the four-time reigning premiers' 1-5 start that sent shockwaves through the competition. "We lost five in a row and we just won five in a row so it's taken a long time to get the ledger back," said coach Cleary. "We'll finish where we deserve. We're still trying to build, we need to play better than what we did today. We did enough." Parramatta had a glimpse into their future, giving Papalii a chance at the starting five-eighth role he could land when Dylan Brown joins Newcastle next year. The recently re-signed Papalii had some good moments, but he and club debutant Tallyn Da Silva came up short of answers as the Eels chased points in the second half. Brown, shifted to starting hooker, inexplicably remained on the bench as the side cried out for attacking composure and only re-entered with the game out of reach in the final six minutes. Tago could face scrutiny from the match review committee for a hip-drop style tackle that injured Kitione Kautoga's left ankle but went undetected by referee Peter Gough. Coach Jason Ryles saw positives in a competitive first half for the rebuilding Eels. "The try before half-time didn't give the (12-10) scoreline the reflection of what the half actually was for us," said Ryles. "We had some really good things there and we want to keep building on that." Nathan Cleary admits he may never get over NSW's loss in the State of Origin decider but hopes Penrith's 32-10 defeat of Parramatta is the first of many wins that the heartbreak inspires. Star halfback Cleary was devastated and under fire after Wednesday's game three defeat and woke up the morning of Sunday's match at CommBank Stadium with the result still playing on his mind. "I don't know if you ever fully get over it," said Cleary, adding a long chat with his father and club coach Ivan Cleary on Saturday had "made me feel a lot better". "In the past I've probably after a poor Origin performance, just tried to squash it and act like it didn't happen," he said. "This time I saw it as an opportunity to analyse it a bit more and try and delve deeper into why I didn't perform the way I wanted." Cleary played like a man unburdened when he came on from the bench in Parramatta, first triggering the shift that gave the Panthers an unlikely lead through Luke Garner after the half-time siren. He forced a dropout which helped put Izack Tago over after the break, then sealed the result with a show-and-go to burst past Joash Papalii and Sean Russell for a try in the final 10 minutes. "I came to the conclusion that it (the Origin loss) is only going to help me grow as a person and a player. Playing today gave me a good opportunity to test my character too," Cleary said. "That's an important thing. It's about how you move on and how you present to the team. You can only kick stones and feel sorry for yourself for so long." Cleary earned an early mark and watched as Lindsay Smith barged over for the Panthers' last try, which capped a stellar end to an Origin period that began woefully for Penrith. The Panthers' loss to struggling Newcastle in round 12 pushed them to last on the ladder and signalled the low point of their season. But they haven't lost since and emerge from the Origin period on course for a top-eight finish, having knocked off the Warriors and Eels without some of their biggest stars. A top-four berth remains on the cards for the resurgent Panthers, who won't face a team currently in the top-eight until mid-August. It's a far cry from the four-time reigning premiers' 1-5 start that sent shockwaves through the competition. "We lost five in a row and we just won five in a row so it's taken a long time to get the ledger back," said coach Cleary. "We'll finish where we deserve. We're still trying to build, we need to play better than what we did today. We did enough." Parramatta had a glimpse into their future, giving Papalii a chance at the starting five-eighth role he could land when Dylan Brown joins Newcastle next year. The recently re-signed Papalii had some good moments, but he and club debutant Tallyn Da Silva came up short of answers as the Eels chased points in the second half. Brown, shifted to starting hooker, inexplicably remained on the bench as the side cried out for attacking composure and only re-entered with the game out of reach in the final six minutes. Tago could face scrutiny from the match review committee for a hip-drop style tackle that injured Kitione Kautoga's left ankle but went undetected by referee Peter Gough. Coach Jason Ryles saw positives in a competitive first half for the rebuilding Eels. "The try before half-time didn't give the (12-10) scoreline the reflection of what the half actually was for us," said Ryles. "We had some really good things there and we want to keep building on that."
7NEWS
13-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Nathan Cleary makes sad admission about State of Origin heartache
Nathan Cleary admits he may never get over NSW's loss in the State of Origin decider but hopes Penrith's 32-10 defeat of Parramatta is the first of many wins that the heartbreak inspires. Star halfback Cleary was devastated and under fire after Wednesday's game three defeat and woke up the morning of Sunday's match at CommBank Stadium with the result still playing on his mind. 'I don't know if you ever fully get over it,' said Cleary, adding a long chat with his father and club coach Ivan Cleary on Saturday had 'made me feel a lot better'. 'In the past I've probably after a poor Origin performance, just tried to squash it and act like it didn't happen,' he said. 'This time I saw it as an opportunity to analyse it a bit more and try and delve deeper into why I didn't perform the way I wanted.' Cleary played like a man unburdened when he came on from the bench in Parramatta, first triggering the shift that gave the Panthers an unlikely lead through Luke Garner after the half-time siren. He forced a dropout which helped put Izack Tago over after the break, then sealed the result with a show-and-go to burst past Joash Papalii and Sean Russell for a try in the final 10 minutes. 'I came to the conclusion that it (the Origin loss) is only going to help me grow as a person and a player. Playing today gave me a good opportunity to test my character too,' Cleary said. 'That's an important thing. It's about how you move on and how you present to the team. You can only kick stones and feel sorry for yourself for so long.' Cleary earned an early mark and watched as Lindsay Smith barged over for the Panthers' last try, which capped a stellar end to an Origin period that began woefully for Penrith. The Panthers' loss to struggling Newcastle in round 12 pushed them to last on the ladder and signalled the low point of their season. But they haven't lost since and emerge from the Origin period on course for a top-eight finish, having knocked off the Warriors and Eels without some of their biggest stars. A top-four berth remains on the cards for the resurgent Panthers, who won't face a team currently in the top-eight until mid-August. It's a far cry from the four-time reigning premiers' 1-5 start that sent shockwaves through the competition. 'We lost five in a row and we just won five in a row so it's taken a long time to get the ledger back,' said coach Cleary. 'We'll finish where we deserve. We're still trying to build, we need to play better than what we did today. We did enough.' Parramatta had a glimpse into their future, giving Papalii a chance at the starting five-eighth role he could land when Dylan Brown joins Newcastle next year. The recently re-signed Papalii had some good moments, but he and club debutant Tallyn Da Silva came up short of answers as the Eels chased points in the second half. Brown, shifted to starting hooker, inexplicably remained on the bench as the side cried out for attacking composure and only re-entered with the game out of reach in the final six minutes. Tago could face scrutiny from the match review committee for a hip-drop style tackle that injured Kitione Kautoga's left ankle but went undetected by referee Peter Gough. Coach Jason Ryles saw positives in a competitive first half for the rebuilding Eels. 'The try before half-time didn't give the (12-10) scoreline the reflection of what the half actually was for us,' said Ryles. 'We had some really good things there and we want to keep building on that.'
7NEWS
09-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
State of Origin hero Josh Papalii's young son Noah melts hears with post-match gesture
Queensland's comeback king Josh Papalii became one of the stories of the year when his side won an unlikely State of Origin decider on Wednesday night, but it was his young son Noah who fans fell in love with after the game. Papalii, by his own admission, was 'happily retired' from Origin football when he received four missed called from Maroons coach Billy Slater in the leadup to game three. Having not played any representative footy in years, the 33-year-old eventually answered the call and agreed to make a comeback. It was a return that developed into a fairytale by the final whistle at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night, with Papalii joining skipper Cameron Munster on stage to hold up the shield after his side claimed a shock 24-12 win to claim the series 2-1. Even sweeter for the father-of-four was that his son, Noah, could be there to see him lift it. 'My family means everything to me,' Papalii told Nine after the game as Noah joined him in a hug during the interview. 'There are three things I care about: that's my faith, my family and obviously this jersey. 'So glad my son's old enough to realise what dad's doing, and hopefully I'm here in 20 years supporting him.' Emma Lawrence then kneeled down to ask Noah a question about his dad, but the youngster was thinking about his newborn sibling at home. 'Just worried about the baby at home so my dad could see him and hug him,' he said. Lawrence was taken aback at the youngster's thoughtfulness. 'You're a very good big brother, well done. Very, very, very beautiful heart you have, Noah,' she said. 'You've raised beautiful children, big Papa, well done.' Papalii's wife Mesepa Salesa gave birth to their fourth child late last month, but gave her blessing for her Canberra Raiders star husband to play for his NRL club instead of being there for the birth. Jeremiah Papalii was welcomed into the world just hours before kick-off between the Raiders and Knights in Round 17. Speaking after the June 27 game, Raiders coach lauded Mesepa for the sacrifice of allowing Papalii to play. 'The reason I have Paps here today, an unbelievable sacrifice from Sepa — Josh's wife — who had a baby boy this afternoon, Jeremiah,' Stuart said at the time. 'It was always going to be touch and go whether Sepa could hang on or what not, but she wanted Josh to go away and play. 'It was an unbelievable sacrifice from a new mother.' Wednesday night capped an extraordinary fortnight for Papalii, who never thought he'd be in a Maroon jersey again. 'It's an honour and a privilege to represent this beautiful state,' he said after the game. 'I was happily retired until Billy gave me the call. 'I still had that fire in the belly for this jersey, and I'm so glad I came back and just being a part of this great win — (I'm) lost for words. 'I think that's why I had a tear in the eye. 'Like I said before, I was happily retired, I didn't see myself coming back at all. Just the encouragement of my wife to come back and give it one last go, and just the support of all the boys and the staff — we pulled it off tonight.' Papali'i hadn't played Origin since 2022, instead focusing on his club football in Canberra's stellar campaign that's put them top of the NRL ladder. His strong form, and the Maroons' need for a cool head in the middle prompted Slater's call for help. 'I was terrified that he was going to say 'sorry Bill, my days are done' but within a couple of words, I felt he still had that fire in him,' Slater said. 'His wife Sepa had a baby boy the week before, and there were a few complications, and the big fella slept in a hospital chair for a couple of nights, his priority was being a dad and making sure his family was okay. 'That first 15 minutes, he just laid that platform for the rewards to come.'
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Papalii the bridge to Maroons last super Sydney decider
Josh Papalii's recall has given Queensland firepower up front but also an intimate understanding of what it takes to win a State of Origin decider in Sydney. The 33-year-old prop is the only member of the current playing squad to have achieved the rare feat. When playing in just his second Origin match back in 2013, Papalii was among the side that beat NSW 12-10 at Homebush. That was the last time the Maroons have prevailed in a Sydney decider and was the fourth time they had won the Origin shield in the NSW capital. They also won deciders on enemy territory in 1998 and 2008, while an 18-all draw in 2002 was enough to retain bragging rights. Papalii's very presence has been a comfort to the Maroons ahead of his 24th and final Origin showdown. "Papa is a real calming influence on the group," Maroons hooker Harry Grant said. "He's got so much experience and willpower to have a real dig in the Maroons jersey. "I'm really excited for him to have this final opportunity. He's been playing some awesome footy for Canberra." The Maroons, who clung on to win game two 26-24 in Perth, must pull off a 45-year Origin first in Sydney. They have never won two games away from Brisbane to clinch the series after losing the first match. It's an opportunity coach Billy Slater said his side would embrace, rather than be daunted by that history. "We'd never won in Perth either before game two," Slater said. "No Queensland team has lost at home and had to go on the road for game two and three and won the series. What an opportunity it is for this group of men. "That's a real challenge. We're not naive to (not) know where we're going and how good the footy team is that we're playing against, and the individuals in the footy team. It's a task for sure, but what an opportunity it is." Grant said on Monday that Cameron Munster's brave decision to play after the death of his father Steven had motivated the players to give a strong performance to make their skipper's family proud. Grant grew up in Rockhampton, as did Munster. The Maroons skipper was man of the match in the win in game two in Perth. Munster's story, from loveable larrikin to Maroons captain, continues to inspire and Grant himself has been moved by it. "I've been lucky enough to grow up in the same region as him and watch his journey to the Storm and now captain of the Maroons," Grant said. "It's been a very inspiring journey and he gives a lot of people hope that you can do it. "You don't always have to be the best kid growing up. You can have a bit of cheek and do things your way too. "He's captain of the Maroons and we love him as a teammate and bloke. You saw what he did in game two." Josh Papalii's recall has given Queensland firepower up front but also an intimate understanding of what it takes to win a State of Origin decider in Sydney. The 33-year-old prop is the only member of the current playing squad to have achieved the rare feat. When playing in just his second Origin match back in 2013, Papalii was among the side that beat NSW 12-10 at Homebush. That was the last time the Maroons have prevailed in a Sydney decider and was the fourth time they had won the Origin shield in the NSW capital. They also won deciders on enemy territory in 1998 and 2008, while an 18-all draw in 2002 was enough to retain bragging rights. Papalii's very presence has been a comfort to the Maroons ahead of his 24th and final Origin showdown. "Papa is a real calming influence on the group," Maroons hooker Harry Grant said. "He's got so much experience and willpower to have a real dig in the Maroons jersey. "I'm really excited for him to have this final opportunity. He's been playing some awesome footy for Canberra." The Maroons, who clung on to win game two 26-24 in Perth, must pull off a 45-year Origin first in Sydney. They have never won two games away from Brisbane to clinch the series after losing the first match. It's an opportunity coach Billy Slater said his side would embrace, rather than be daunted by that history. "We'd never won in Perth either before game two," Slater said. "No Queensland team has lost at home and had to go on the road for game two and three and won the series. What an opportunity it is for this group of men. "That's a real challenge. We're not naive to (not) know where we're going and how good the footy team is that we're playing against, and the individuals in the footy team. It's a task for sure, but what an opportunity it is." Grant said on Monday that Cameron Munster's brave decision to play after the death of his father Steven had motivated the players to give a strong performance to make their skipper's family proud. Grant grew up in Rockhampton, as did Munster. The Maroons skipper was man of the match in the win in game two in Perth. Munster's story, from loveable larrikin to Maroons captain, continues to inspire and Grant himself has been moved by it. "I've been lucky enough to grow up in the same region as him and watch his journey to the Storm and now captain of the Maroons," Grant said. "It's been a very inspiring journey and he gives a lot of people hope that you can do it. "You don't always have to be the best kid growing up. You can have a bit of cheek and do things your way too. "He's captain of the Maroons and we love him as a teammate and bloke. You saw what he did in game two." Josh Papalii's recall has given Queensland firepower up front but also an intimate understanding of what it takes to win a State of Origin decider in Sydney. The 33-year-old prop is the only member of the current playing squad to have achieved the rare feat. When playing in just his second Origin match back in 2013, Papalii was among the side that beat NSW 12-10 at Homebush. That was the last time the Maroons have prevailed in a Sydney decider and was the fourth time they had won the Origin shield in the NSW capital. They also won deciders on enemy territory in 1998 and 2008, while an 18-all draw in 2002 was enough to retain bragging rights. Papalii's very presence has been a comfort to the Maroons ahead of his 24th and final Origin showdown. "Papa is a real calming influence on the group," Maroons hooker Harry Grant said. "He's got so much experience and willpower to have a real dig in the Maroons jersey. "I'm really excited for him to have this final opportunity. He's been playing some awesome footy for Canberra." The Maroons, who clung on to win game two 26-24 in Perth, must pull off a 45-year Origin first in Sydney. They have never won two games away from Brisbane to clinch the series after losing the first match. It's an opportunity coach Billy Slater said his side would embrace, rather than be daunted by that history. "We'd never won in Perth either before game two," Slater said. "No Queensland team has lost at home and had to go on the road for game two and three and won the series. What an opportunity it is for this group of men. "That's a real challenge. We're not naive to (not) know where we're going and how good the footy team is that we're playing against, and the individuals in the footy team. It's a task for sure, but what an opportunity it is." Grant said on Monday that Cameron Munster's brave decision to play after the death of his father Steven had motivated the players to give a strong performance to make their skipper's family proud. Grant grew up in Rockhampton, as did Munster. The Maroons skipper was man of the match in the win in game two in Perth. Munster's story, from loveable larrikin to Maroons captain, continues to inspire and Grant himself has been moved by it. "I've been lucky enough to grow up in the same region as him and watch his journey to the Storm and now captain of the Maroons," Grant said. "It's been a very inspiring journey and he gives a lot of people hope that you can do it. "You don't always have to be the best kid growing up. You can have a bit of cheek and do things your way too. "He's captain of the Maroons and we love him as a teammate and bloke. You saw what he did in game two."
The Advertiser
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Even NSW back 'legendary' Papalii's Origin swansong
Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke. Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack. But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms. The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter. But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland. "He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP. "To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved. "He probably wants to challenge himself one more time." Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022. It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock. "He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP. "I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him. "He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well." Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season. Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens. "It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said. "To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better. "I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him." Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke. Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack. But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms. The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter. But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland. "He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP. "To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved. "He probably wants to challenge himself one more time." Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022. It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock. "He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP. "I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him. "He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well." Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season. Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens. "It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said. "To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better. "I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him." Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke. Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack. But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms. The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter. But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland. "He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP. "To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved. "He probably wants to challenge himself one more time." Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022. It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock. "He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP. "I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him. "He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well." Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season. Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens. "It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said. "To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better. "I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him."
