State of Origin: Queensland’s Josh Papalii reveals words from Canberra coach Ricky Stuart motivate him to perform

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has delivered some choice words to Josh Papalii in the past and the star prop reveals exactly where the two men stand with each other.

Josh Papalii (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Two months after Josh Papalii asked club coach Ricky Stuart for a week off to rest his bashed up body, the rejuvenated Maroons prop has opened up about his relationship with his long-time Canberra mentor.

The 29-year-old veteran of 18 Origin games for Queensland said he had entered Maroons camp ahead of Origin II at Suncorp Stadium “feeling fresh” and credited Stuart with understanding why he needed a break to recharge his batteries.

Papalii asked to be sat out of the round eight clash with the Rabbitohs due to the wear and tear on his body and Stuart granted his request. He then missed three weeks due to suspension for a high shot on Tui Katoa against the Bulldogs in Magic Round.

Former Raiders half George Williams has spoken about his falling out with Stuart and a communication breakdown, which has once again made headlines on his return to England, but Papalii said he had Stuart’s ear.

“I have been with Sticky a long time now and we know how to talk to each other. We can relate on some things, and with some things we don’t relate, but having that communication is very important between a player and coach,” Papalii said.

“I had a lot going on before the season with my boxing and it was taking a toll on my body so I just told Sticky I was feeling underdone and he rested me for a week. I was thankful for that.

“Sticky thought that would be good, but there was nothing going on outside of footy.

“I had another three weeks off as well for the high shot I put on Katoa in the Bulldogs game so now I feel really fresh after two games back with the Raiders. I am ready to go for Queensland. I can’t wait to run out at Suncorp.”

Josh Papalii was a star for the Maroons last year. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

Prior to this year’s series opener, Papalii had not missed an Origin game since 2016 and has now developed into one of the world’s best big game prop forwards. Stuart has often known how to press his buttons to get the best out of him.

Papalii came into Origin camp for game three in 2019 and said he was still “a bit sore” following a Stuart spray for a poor club performance, and then went out and had a blinder in the Maroons’ final-seconds loss in the decider. Earlier in his career Papalii was sent back to Souths Logan to regain his mojo.

“Sticky has given me a few sprays – some fair and some unfair,” Papalii grinned.

“That’s what I love in a coach; a coach that cares. Just being honest with Sticky is probably the biggest thing. When I was a bit younger I didn’t understand that but now I am older I am not afraid to go to Sticky and communicate.”

Papalii is still smarting over being bagged south of the border as a member of the worst-ever Queensland side. After missing the 50-6 loss in game one due to suspension, he can’t wait to help the Maroons replicate last year’s stunning success alongside his starting front-rower Christian Welch.

“Last year’s series was one of the most memorable I have been a part of. Being tagged as the worst team ever and then going out and beating one of the best teams was very special,” he said.

“I can understand why they would be very confident. They have just won by 50. I have been a part of a Queensland side that scored 50 and you don’t see the Queenslanders carrying on about it, but that is just the way it is.

“Christian is one of those blokes I want to run out with at Suncorp. When you see him in your team you know he is going to do his job, and you just have to worry about yours.

“That is one thing we are trying to filter through to the young fellas in the squad, that in Origin you only have to do your job and the rest will take care of itself.”