‘Cried all week’: Josh Papalii’s emotional lead-up to milestone match
An emotional Josh Papalii has confessed that he “cried all week” ahead of his 250th NRL match for the Canberra Raiders.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Queensland forward Josh Papalii has admitted that he “cried all week” ahead of his 250th NRL match for the Canberra Raiders.
Since making his first-grade debut in 2011, Papalii has become Canberra’s third-most capped player in history, sitting behind Jason and Jarrod Croker on the all-time list.
The 30-year-old celebrated his 250th game with a try against South Sydney on Sunday afternoon, with the Raiders claiming a comprehensive 32-12 victory at Dubbo’s Apex Oval.
He also notched 132 metres, four tackle busts and a linebreak to help Canberra secure its third consecutive win.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.
Speaking to Fox League after the 20-point triumph, Papalii confessed that emotions got the better of him ahead of the milestone match.
“Yeah that was a tough one bro,” he said.
“We are finally stringing it together and it is very pleasing to see.
“I love this club with all my heart and it is just a good way to bring up 250.
“Yeah I cried all week.
“Just reminiscing on what got me here. My parents’ sacrifice. My wife, my kids.
“It has been an emotional week.”
The Canberrans ambushed their second top-eight side in as many weeks, now sitting outside the top eight only on points differential.
Heading into Sunday’s game, the Raiders had scored the third-least points of any team this season, but had little trouble scything through soft Rabbitohs defence.
The Raiders led 20-0 at halftime and while the Bunnies managed to stem the bleeding in the second stanza, they never looked a serious chance to chase Canberra down.
The end score could have been even more brutal had the Raiders not missed three of their attempts at goal.
“It has just been an emotional week and now I get to sit back and enjoy it with the boys and have a few cold ones,” Papalii said.
“I knew what our team can do.
“We showed the last three weeks what we are capable of doing and it is just good to finally see all the hard work pay off.
“Still a long road to go though. We still have more losses than wins and we need to fix that up quick.”
After sharing his special day with an enthusiastic country crowd, Papalii said he’d like to see the NRL take even more games out to the regions.
“I love coming out to the country and giving back to the community,” he said.
“This is where all the awesome talent comes from, out in the country.
“It’s good to see all the support. They should play more games out in the country, that’s for sure.”
The Raiders will next face the Parramatta Eels at GIO Stadium on Sunday, May 29, with kick-off scheduled for 4.05pm AEST.
— with Jasper Bruce, NCA NewsWire
Originally published as ‘Cried all week’: Josh Papalii’s emotional lead-up to milestone match
Test your knowledge with our ultimate NRL 2024 quiz
Think you know your rugby league? Were you paying attention throughout the 2024 NRL season? Take our quiz and put your knowledge to the test.
Meninga’s call on Kangaroos changes
Mal Meninga is expected to stick with the same spine that got the job done against Tonga, with the Kangaroos coach hoping for more attacking cohesion in New Zealand.