Police investigate after NRL star caught up in pub incident

Police are investigating after Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii was allegedly involved in a pub incident early on Monday morning.

Police are investigating an incident at an ACT pub earlier this week and Canberra Raiders veteran Josh Papalii’s alleged involvement.

ACT Policing said it was investigating after it was reported to them that two men were smashing glasses and acting aggressively at a licensed premises early on Monday morning.

The Canberra Raiders said in a statement that Papalii, 32, was at the venue at the time and was among a group that was asked to leave.

“About 3.10am on Monday, 16 September 2024, police responded to a request from a licensed premises regarding two men who were behaving aggressively, smashing glasses and refusing to leave,” ACT Policing said in a statement.

“After engagement with police, the men left however a short time later re-entered the premises.

Josh Papalii was caught up in an alleged incident at a Canberra pub. Pictureo: Matt King/Getty Images.

“A third member of the group escorted the two men out of the premises again, and they departed the location a short time later.

“Enquiries in relation to this matter are continuing; however, at this time no charges have been laid.”

The Raiders said they were aware of the incident and had informed the NRL integrity unit.

“Josh and others were asked to leave a licensed premises in the early hours of Monday morning following attendance by ACT police,” the club said in a statement.

Papalii, a Queensland and Australian representative, has made 305 appearances for the Raiders during a stellar career that began in the nation’s capital in 2011.

The Raiders played their last game on Saturday, September 7, finishing in ninth spot and narrowly missing the finals.