From Logan to rugby league’s biggest stages, Josh Papalii has built a career few Queenslanders can match.
After 16 seasons in the NRL, the Canberra Raiders great will bring the curtain down on a remarkable playing career, closing a journey that took him from Logan Brothers and the Souths Logan Magpies to the Queensland Maroons, the Australian Kangaroos and Samoa.
Papali'i made his NRL debut for Canberra in 2011 and went on to become one of the most respected forwards of his generation.
Powerful, durable and uncompromising, he became synonymous with the Raiders jersey and ultimately the most capped player in the club’s history.
For Queensland supporters, Papalii’s contribution in maroon forms a huge part of his legacy.
He made his State of Origin debut in 2013 and went on to play 24 matches for Queensland across more than a decade, featuring in seven series victories.
His Origin story appeared finished after stepping away from representative football, before one final chapter arrived in 2025.
Called back into the side for the deciding Game III in Sydney, Papali'i returned to the Maroons pack and helped Queensland secure a 24-12 victory and reclaim the Origin shield.
It proved a fitting finish to a career built on toughness, reliability and answering the call when Queensland needed him.
Papali'i also achieved significant success internationally.
He represented Australia on 11 occasions and was part of the Kangaroos squad that won the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Later, he represented his Samoan heritage with distinction, playing 10 Tests for Toa Samoa and helping the nation reach its historic first Rugby League World Cup final in 2022.
Raised in Logan, a product of the QRL grassroots system, he came through Logan Brothers and the Souths Logan pathway before emerging as one of the game’s elite forwards.
From Queensland junior representative to Maroons mainstay, World Cup winner, Samoan international and Canberra legend, Papalii’s career has covered every level rugby league has to offer.
Now, one of Queensland rugby league’s great modern journeys comes to an end.
