LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Canberra Raiders forward Josh Papalii has revealed that he anticipates 2025 to be his final year with the club, although he is interested in extending his playing career beyond that.
Reports from zerotackle.com indicate that Papalii opted to extend his contract through 2025, yet his role within the team has been decreasing, as he has frequently come off the bench.
At 33 years old, he is on the verge of becoming the most capped player in Raiders' history, but the team's focus has shifted towards integrating younger talent.
The current forward pack at Canberra is led by players like Joseph Tapine and Corey Horsburgh, as the Raiders have climbed to second place in the NRL, despite facing a challenging schedule without a bye.
Papalii's diminishing involvement suggests that he may not fit into the club's future plans.
He expressed his sentiments on Chris Coleman's show on iHeart Radio, stating, "I think when it comes to the end of 2025, it will be the last time people see myself in a green jersey."
As the Raiders look to nurture emerging players, Papalii's storied career at the club appears to be nearing its conclusion.