Josh Papalii’s son captures hearts of rugby league fans in TV interview

Maroons enforcer Josh Papalii’s young son has captured the hearts of rugby league fans around the country, after a touching tribute to his baby brother in front of over three million TV viewers.

It was the tear-jerking comment that broke a nation’s hearts.

Queensland enforcer Josh Papalii’s young son Noah became the unexpected star of State of Origin after a touching tribute to his baby brother before three million TV viewers on Wednesday night.

The Maroons prop savoured the ultimate Origin swansong, coming out of retirement to help inspire Queensland’s 24-12 defeat of NSW to win the 2025 series decider at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

The 33-year-old later conducted an interview with Channel 9 to reflect on the epic win, but Papalii Jnr stole the show when he was suddenly asked about the performance of his dad.

Showing remarkable maturity for a seven-year-old, Noah’s thoughts instantly turned to his baby sibling, who was born two weeks ago and had minor complications which saw Papalii spend two nights in hospital before joining the Maroons.

Josh Papalii with his son Noah, being interviewed by reporter Emma Lawrence. Picture: Channel 9

“I was worried about the baby at home,” Noah said as he rubbed his eyes.

“So my dad could see him and hug him.”

Channel 9 reporter Emma Lawrence was visibly emotional, with Noah’s comment going viral on social media as fans and mums around the nation revealed they shed tears as Papalii hugged his son.

It’s been a turbulent past 12 months for the Papalii family, with Noah’s other sibling, Josh Jnr, having been diagnosed with autism.

The toddler is non-verbal and Papalii has sought the help of his Canberra coach Ricky Stuart, whose daughter Emma, now an adult, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 9.

Josh Papalii with his son Noah. Picture: Channel 9

Asked about Noah’s comments alongside him on national television, Papalii said: “After my son (Jeremiah) was born I had to come into camp.

“I think it’s just more getting back home and spending time with the kids.

“It means a lot what he (Noah) said.

“He’s old enough to understand who dad’s playing for and what dad’s doing these days.

“I’m just super grateful.

“My family means everything to me.

“There’s three things I care about and they’re my faith, my family and obviously this jersey.

“So I’m glad my son’s old enough to realise what his dad’s doing and hopefully I’m here in 20 years supporting him.”

Papalii with his family ahead of his 300th game. Picture: Getty Images

Stuart wasn’t surprised by Noah’s show of love for his baby brother as the Papalii family came to grips with Josh’s autism diagnosis.

“It was a struggle for ‘Papa’ and Sepa (his wife),” Stuart said.

“Papa hides a lot of that stuff, mate, but I’ve through that diagnosis of autism myself as a father.

“It’s a peace of mind when you actually get the diagnosis of what the issue actually is.

“I was able to put Papa and Sepa in touch with the right people and get that professional help, but it’s an emotional journey.

“Your other siblings come second and it’s hard for Josh to leave for training and playing when Sepa is handling the kids.

“That’s why Josh’s older boy, Noah, is going to be a tower of strength for his brother one day.

“He doesn’t know it yet, but I have a genuine love for that young boy and the role he will play in his brother’s life as they grow up together.”

Originally published as Josh Papalii’s son captures hearts of rugby league fans in TV interview