‘Like Tuivasa-Sheck': Parramatta to name rookie for NRL debut
Joash Papalii, recruited from the Bulldogs during the off-season, will be named on the Eels bench for Friday's clash with Manly. The 20-year-old was a star coming through the junior grades; he was named the SG Ball player of year in 2022, has tasted premiership success with Canterbury's Jersey Flegg side, represented NSW under-19s last year and was part of the Australian Schoolboys side that beat Fiji.
Former Broncos winger Denan Kemp, who ran the rule over footage of Papalii's highlight reel during one of his Bloke in a Bar YouTube segments, predicted he had a future in the NRL.
'This guy's footwork is outstanding … a little bit like RTS [Tuivasa-Sheck], I would say,' Kemp said in the video.
'Joash Papalii: very impressive. That left-foot [step], that is from the gods. The talent is there … You can't tell me, with footwork like that and a good work ethic, that he won't be in a position to make his debut at some stage.'
That time appears now. While Papalii has played everywhere in the backline, the Punchbowl product is expected to spend some time at dummy half against the Sea Eagles.
In an interview last October, Papalii said he grew up a Parramatta supporter who dreamed of making his debut for the club.
'When I was young I used to support Parramatta. There was this guy called Jarryd Hayne and everything changed,' Papalii said.
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