State of Origin 2018: Maroons hitman Josh Papalii back to his best after being dumped to reserve grade

Just six weeks ago, Josh Papalii was axed to the NSW Cup by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart. But after stripping 8kg from his hulking frame, the Maroons hitman is in the best shape of his career.

Queensland needs Papalii‘s experience. (Adam Head)

A LEANER and meaner Josh Papalii says his axing to reserve grade was the ultimate wake-up call as the Maroons hitman enters Origin I on Wednesday night in the best shape of his career.

A candid Papalii admits he hasn’t delivered in the Origin arena and is determined to terrorise the Blues at the MCG after an attitude overhaul that has seen him strip 8kg from his hulking frame.

Just six weeks ago, Raiders forward Papalii was in danger of relinquishing his Queensland jumper after he was axed to the NSW Cup by his club coach Ricky Stuart.

But after fighting his way back into the Canberra team, a streamlined Papalii is primed to produce his most dominant display for Queensland off the bench in his 10th Origin game.

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Papalii his a lot early in the season. (Kym Smith)

“I just think I don’t take the opportunity to take that ‘moment’ enough but I definitely think I will this year,” said Papalii, whose interchange thrust will be crucial in the series opener.

“I still think I haven’t found my feet in Origin and the rep arena but I feel good this time around.

“I am at the best body weight I have been for years now and looking forward to next Wednesday.”

The big man hasn’t played as much Origin has he should have. (Adam Head)

It is a measure of Papalii’s inconsistency at Origin level that he has been a part of five Maroons campaigns, but has managed just nine games since his debut in 2013.

Of those nine games, Papalii has started just once — last year’s 28-4 Game One drubbing at Suncorp Stadium that triggered his demotion back to the Maroons bench.

But the 26-year-old’s recent stint in NSW Cup, coupled with his self-confessed party mentality during Samoa’s World Cup tournament last year, are signs he cannot afford to be complacent in the Origin arena.

Papalii has put more focus on his training. (Adam Head)

“The World Cup for was a bit of a holiday for myself. I wish I didn’t take it that way,” Papalii said.

“I am in my best shape in a few years. I’ve lost close to eight kilos since 2016. I’m feeling good. I just try and cut the grog out a bit and eat a bit cleaner and it’s worked.

“It had to be done.

“I’ve had a rough start to my season. Getting dropped to NSW Cup wasn’t easy but I think it was needed.

Queensland needs Papalii‘s experience. (Adam Head)

“Our team wasn’t going too well at the time and I knew someone had to go back. ‘Sticky’ (Canberra coach Stuart) thought it should be me.

“I copped it on the chin, found some form and I’m happy that I’ve come back and played some decent footy.

“I’m just happy to be back and ready to go next Wednesday.”

Papalii admits he must assume more responsibility following the loss of engine-room leaders Cameron Smith, Matt Scott and Nate Myles.

“As a forward pack we have been very dominant for the last couple of years,” he said.

“With the experienced forwards Matty Scott and (Nate) Myles out of the squad it is only the young fellas left.

“It is the start of a new era in this forward pack. It is a fairly young one and hopefully we can do the job.”

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Originally published as State of Origin 2018: Maroons hitman Josh Papalii back to his best after being dumped to reserve grade