How an NRL cult hero urged Canberra to sign Josh Papalii after hesitation from the Raiders

Josh Papalii is now the best prop in the world, but an NRL cult hero has revealed how Canberra hesitated about signing him as a schoolboy from Logan City - until he “ripped shreds” off Shannon Boyd.

Josh Papalii is now the best prop in the world, but an NRL cult hero has revealed how Canberra hesitated about signing him as a schoolboy from Logan - until he “ripped shreds” off Shannon Boyd.

Mark Tookey, who lit up the crowds with fearsome front row charges (1996-06), came upon Papalii after being invited to Woodridge SHS by his old school coach Dave Allen 10 years ago.

Tookey recommended Papalii to Canberra, but the Raiders hesitated, wondering whether he was just another big Polynesian boy playing league.

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The deal was not done until Tookey arranged for Papalii to play in a schoolboy trial match involving Souths Logan and the Raiders SG Ball side.

Mark Tookey discovered Josh Papalii at his old school of Woodridge SHS.

“He and Shannon Boyd ripped shreds off each other in the first half and the rest is history,’’ Tookey said.

Such is Papalii’s standing in the game now, it would not be surprised if he was paragraph No. 1 on the game plan formulated by Roosters coach Trent Robinson ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final.

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While Tookey has marvelled at Papalii’s current rich vein of form, he said he had been outstanding for three seasons.

Josh Papalii celebrates victory over Souths. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

He said when Papalii lost muscle mass he became more agile and his fast feet, as much as his strength, came into play.

Tookey said Papalii had to work hard for his success.

Josh Papalii proves a handful against Souths. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“He has experienced everything — injury, over weight, family, the ups and downs of everything.

“He has experienced the whole roller coaster.’’

Tookey still has a close relationship with Papalii and his family.

“He is my boy. I call him my boy,’’ Tookey said. “I am really proud of what Josh is doing.’’

Mark Tookey helped the Warriors into the 2000 grand final. Pic: Mark/Evans.

And the feeling is mutual. Tookey told the Albert & Logan News earlier this year:

“Because my parents both worked, Tooks would have to come around and pick me up and drop me off every night if we had Souths Logan training,’’ Papalii said.

“He was a bit of a coach and a mentor to me coming through Souths Logan. That was pretty special,’’ he said.