State of Origin: Maroons bombshell as Josh Papalii makes shock retirement call

Billy Slater has a new headache ahead of naming his Maroons team for the series opener after one of Queensland’s finest performers announced he was stepping down from selection.

Josh Papalii playing for the maroons during State of Origin. Pic NRL Photos.

Queensland’s hopes of back-to-back series wins have suffered a major blow with star enforcer Josh Papalii announcing his shock retirement from representative football.

Papalii dropped a bombshell on the Maroons by drawing the curtain on his decorated Origin and Test career just days before the Queensland team for the 2023 series opener is named on Monday.

After a slow start to the season due to injury, Papalii surged back into form over the past month and was in contention for the Maroons’ Origin I clash with NSW at Adelaide Oval on May 31.

But Billy Slater must quickly find a new front-row enforcer after Papalii called the Queensland coach to inform him his days as a mainstay of the Maroons pack are over.

Maroons great Josh Papalii has retired from State of Origin. Picture: NRL Photos

The Canberra hit man played 23 Origin games for the Maroons across 10 consecutive series since his debut in 2013 and was inspirational in Queensland’s epic 22-12 win in last year’s decider at Suncorp Stadium.

Papalii, who has started in the engine room in 12 consecutive games for the Maroons, said it’s time to concentrate on his club duties for Canberra and open the door for a new generation of Queensland forwards.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time playing for Queensland and representing the state and I have memories from my time in maroon I will never forget,” Papalii said.

“For me, it’s about giving the next generation of Queensland players the chance to represent and it also allows me to concentrate on my football for the Raiders during the middle part of the season.

“I want to thank all of the coaches over the years that have given me the opportunity to play for Queensland and all of the players who I have taken the field with.”

Josh Papalii sits comfortably alongside Queensland’s greatest players. Picture: NRL Photos

While the loss of Papalii will leave a gaping hole in Queensland’s engine room, the Maroons have a number of middle-forward contenders lining up to take the front-row baton and charge headlong into the Blues.

Slater has at least eight candidates to consider for Origin I. They include Broncos duo Pat Carrigan and Tom Flegler, Dolphins firebrand Tom Gilbert, Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Souths workhorse Jai Arrow and Roosters hardman Lindsay Collins.

Papalii’s Raiders teammate Corey Horsburgh has been outstanding this season, while Storm veteran Christian Welch, who has played six Origin matches, can press his claims against the Dolphins on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The 31-year-old stands down alongside a list of Maroons legends. Papalii chalked up the same number of Queensland appearances as Trevor Gillmeister and Brent Tate and is ahead of legendary trio Cooper Cronk (22), Matt Scott (22) and Shane Webcke (21).

Josh Papalii has been lauded as a warrior of the Origin arena. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Papalii won the 2018 Peter Jackson memorial award — the revered gong presented to a player or staff member who epitomises the Queensland Origin spirit.

Slater lauded the contribution of Papalii but is adamant Queensland have the forward depth to retain the Origin shield this season in the absence of big ‘Papa’.

“I was fortunate to feel both the presence Papa gave as a teammate and the confidence he gave me as a coach,” Slater said today.

“Josh’s commitment and performance in his last Origin game typified his career in Maroon – heart, selfless and committed to his team … a warrior of the Origin arena.

“With this news comes opportunity for others. There are a number players in Josh’s position that over the last little period have been building their game to be of Origin quality.”

Originally published as State of Origin: Maroons bombshell as Josh Papalii makes shock retirement call