LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Josh Papali'i is excited to make his return for Queensland in the State of Origin series decider against New South Wales.
Recently becoming a father for the fourth time, he was in the hospital with his wife Mesepa and their newborn son Jeremiah when he received a call from Maroons coach Billy Slater.
Despite the circumstances, he did not hesitate at the opportunity to play.
"I missed the first couple of calls because my little fella and my wife were still in hospital at the time and there were a few complications with my little one," Papali'i shared about the moment he received the call.
When Slater asked him if he had "one more game in me," Papali'i responded enthusiastically, stating, "I replied with an 'F-bomb' and said, 'Yes, I had one more left'."
This upcoming match will mark his 24th and final appearance in the Origin series, having last played in 2022 before retiring from representative football.
Papali'i expressed his eagerness to deliver a memorable performance in this significant game.