
Even NSW back 'legendary' Papalii's Origin swansong
Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack.
But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms.
The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter.
But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland.
"He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP.
"To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved.
"He probably wants to challenge himself one more time."
Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022.
It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock.
"He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP.
"I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him.
"He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well."
Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season.
Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens.
"It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said.
"To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better.
"I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him."
Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke.
Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack.
But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms.
The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter.
But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland.
"He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP.
"To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved.
"He probably wants to challenge himself one more time."
Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022.
It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock.
"He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP.
"I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him.
"He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well."
Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season.
Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens.
"It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said.
"To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better.
"I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him."
Even NSW's players can concede that bringing Josh Papalii out of representative retirement for the State of Origin decider has the makings of a Queensland masterstroke.
Papalii's mission on July 9 is deceptively simple: turbo-charge both the belief of the inexperienced players and the physicality of the Maroons' pack.
But NSW forward and Canberra teammate Hudson Young admits he was a little surprised to see Papalii accept coach Billy Slater's call to arms.
The 33-year-old has a new-born baby at home and had retired from the Origin arena ahead of the 2023 series, focusing solely on current NRL ladder leaders the Raiders thereafter.
But with the series on the line in Sydney, Papalii's comeback could hardly come at a more crucial time for Queensland.
"He's been saying they've been trying to get him for a few years," Young told AAP.
"To be honest, I was surprised he took the offer up. He's obviously been a great player for such a long time. His form this year has been incredible, it's well-deserved.
"He probably wants to challenge himself one more time."
Papalii filled a similar role as elder statesman on Samoa's run to a fairytale first World Cup final berth in 2022.
It's how NSW's Samoan contingent know his inclusion for Queensland will be bigger than just what he can offer on the paddock.
"He's definitely going to add more value to that team," NSW winger Brian To'o told AAP.
"I think that's something that really inspires not just the Samoan boys, but everyone. I know all the Samoan boys really look up to him.
"He's legendary in our culture. I know that he will definitely showcase that for the Maroons as well."
Samoa and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai predicted Papalii's 24th and final Origin game would carry extra significance given a possible move overseas next season.
Papalii has already confirmed he will not be at the Raiders next year and has yet to sign elsewhere for 2026, though has been linked with English club St Helens.
"It's a bit of a last ride for him," Luai said.
"To have an experienced guy like that who's done it all in the game, he's played at a high level for so long, he can speak of his experiences, I think even being around the group, it'll be a lot better.
"I'm sure he'll get up for it, the boys will get up for it for him."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Papalii the bridge to Maroons last super Sydney decider
Josh Papalii's recall has given Queensland firepower up front but also an intimate understanding of what it takes to win a State of Origin decider in Sydney. The 33-year-old prop is the only member of the current playing squad to have achieved the rare feat. When playing in just his second Origin match back in 2013, Papalii was among the side that beat NSW 12-10 at Homebush. That was the last time the Maroons have prevailed in a Sydney decider and was the fourth time they had won the Origin shield in the NSW capital. They also won deciders on enemy territory in 1998 and 2008, while an 18-all draw in 2002 was enough to retain bragging rights. Papalii's very presence has been a comfort to the Maroons ahead of his 24th and final Origin showdown. "Papa is a real calming influence on the group," Maroons hooker Harry Grant said. "He's got so much experience and willpower to have a real dig in the Maroons jersey. "I'm really excited for him to have this final opportunity. He's been playing some awesome footy for Canberra." The Maroons, who clung on to win game two 26-24 in Perth, must pull off a 45-year Origin first in Sydney. They have never won two games away from Brisbane to clinch the series after losing the first match. It's an opportunity coach Billy Slater said his side would embrace, rather than be daunted by that history. "We'd never won in Perth either before game two," Slater said. "No Queensland team has lost at home and had to go on the road for game two and three and won the series. What an opportunity it is for this group of men. "That's a real challenge. We're not naive to (not) know where we're going and how good the footy team is that we're playing against, and the individuals in the footy team. It's a task for sure, but what an opportunity it is." Grant said on Monday that Cameron Munster's brave decision to play after the death of his father Steven had motivated the players to give a strong performance to make their skipper's family proud. Grant grew up in Rockhampton, as did Munster. The Maroons skipper was man of the match in the win in game two in Perth. Munster's story, from loveable larrikin to Maroons captain, continues to inspire and Grant himself has been moved by it. "I've been lucky enough to grow up in the same region as him and watch his journey to the Storm and now captain of the Maroons," Grant said. "It's been a very inspiring journey and he gives a lot of people hope that you can do it. "You don't always have to be the best kid growing up. You can have a bit of cheek and do things your way too. "He's captain of the Maroons and we love him as a teammate and bloke. You saw what he did in game two." Josh Papalii's recall has given Queensland firepower up front but also an intimate understanding of what it takes to win a State of Origin decider in Sydney. The 33-year-old prop is the only member of the current playing squad to have achieved the rare feat. When playing in just his second Origin match back in 2013, Papalii was among the side that beat NSW 12-10 at Homebush. That was the last time the Maroons have prevailed in a Sydney decider and was the fourth time they had won the Origin shield in the NSW capital. They also won deciders on enemy territory in 1998 and 2008, while an 18-all draw in 2002 was enough to retain bragging rights. Papalii's very presence has been a comfort to the Maroons ahead of his 24th and final Origin showdown. "Papa is a real calming influence on the group," Maroons hooker Harry Grant said. "He's got so much experience and willpower to have a real dig in the Maroons jersey. "I'm really excited for him to have this final opportunity. He's been playing some awesome footy for Canberra." The Maroons, who clung on to win game two 26-24 in Perth, must pull off a 45-year Origin first in Sydney. They have never won two games away from Brisbane to clinch the series after losing the first match. It's an opportunity coach Billy Slater said his side would embrace, rather than be daunted by that history. "We'd never won in Perth either before game two," Slater said. "No Queensland team has lost at home and had to go on the road for game two and three and won the series. What an opportunity it is for this group of men. "That's a real challenge. We're not naive to (not) know where we're going and how good the footy team is that we're playing against, and the individuals in the footy team. It's a task for sure, but what an opportunity it is." Grant said on Monday that Cameron Munster's brave decision to play after the death of his father Steven had motivated the players to give a strong performance to make their skipper's family proud. Grant grew up in Rockhampton, as did Munster. The Maroons skipper was man of the match in the win in game two in Perth. Munster's story, from loveable larrikin to Maroons captain, continues to inspire and Grant himself has been moved by it. "I've been lucky enough to grow up in the same region as him and watch his journey to the Storm and now captain of the Maroons," Grant said. "It's been a very inspiring journey and he gives a lot of people hope that you can do it. "You don't always have to be the best kid growing up. You can have a bit of cheek and do things your way too. "He's captain of the Maroons and we love him as a teammate and bloke. You saw what he did in game two." Josh Papalii's recall has given Queensland firepower up front but also an intimate understanding of what it takes to win a State of Origin decider in Sydney. The 33-year-old prop is the only member of the current playing squad to have achieved the rare feat. When playing in just his second Origin match back in 2013, Papalii was among the side that beat NSW 12-10 at Homebush. That was the last time the Maroons have prevailed in a Sydney decider and was the fourth time they had won the Origin shield in the NSW capital. They also won deciders on enemy territory in 1998 and 2008, while an 18-all draw in 2002 was enough to retain bragging rights. Papalii's very presence has been a comfort to the Maroons ahead of his 24th and final Origin showdown. "Papa is a real calming influence on the group," Maroons hooker Harry Grant said. "He's got so much experience and willpower to have a real dig in the Maroons jersey. "I'm really excited for him to have this final opportunity. He's been playing some awesome footy for Canberra." The Maroons, who clung on to win game two 26-24 in Perth, must pull off a 45-year Origin first in Sydney. They have never won two games away from Brisbane to clinch the series after losing the first match. It's an opportunity coach Billy Slater said his side would embrace, rather than be daunted by that history. "We'd never won in Perth either before game two," Slater said. "No Queensland team has lost at home and had to go on the road for game two and three and won the series. What an opportunity it is for this group of men. "That's a real challenge. We're not naive to (not) know where we're going and how good the footy team is that we're playing against, and the individuals in the footy team. It's a task for sure, but what an opportunity it is." Grant said on Monday that Cameron Munster's brave decision to play after the death of his father Steven had motivated the players to give a strong performance to make their skipper's family proud. Grant grew up in Rockhampton, as did Munster. The Maroons skipper was man of the match in the win in game two in Perth. Munster's story, from loveable larrikin to Maroons captain, continues to inspire and Grant himself has been moved by it. "I've been lucky enough to grow up in the same region as him and watch his journey to the Storm and now captain of the Maroons," Grant said. "It's been a very inspiring journey and he gives a lot of people hope that you can do it. "You don't always have to be the best kid growing up. You can have a bit of cheek and do things your way too. "He's captain of the Maroons and we love him as a teammate and bloke. You saw what he did in game two."

ABC News
2 hours ago
- ABC News
Maroons captain Cameron Munster to honour late father Steven in State of Origin decider
It is with a heavy heart that Cameron Munster will bravely lead his Queensland side out in Wednesday night's State of Origin series decider. But he will take to the field knowing his late father is watching down on him, feeling proud and wanting him to play on. Tributes are flowing for Steven Munster, who died at the age of 58 at the weekend. A husband to Debbie and father of Danielle and Cameron, Steven was a stalwart of the Rockhampton sporting community and one of the Queensland skipper's biggest supporters. Just one day before his death, Steven spoke about his desire to see his son captain the Maroons to a historic victory. He said he and wife Debbie were full of admiration for their son's success. "Both of us are so proud of the way he's going through his life and now he's captain of Queensland, it's just unbelievable," Steven told the ABC last week. "He's got to be proud the way he's turned his life around and for where he's come from. Before his sudden death, Steven had planned to watch the game in Sarina while visiting family. Cameron Munster was in the Queensland team's Origin camp when he received the heartbreaking news. He now plans to honour his dad by leading the Maroons out in what will be an emotionally-charged occasion. The 30-year-old was man of the match in his first game as Maroons skipper during game two in Perth. Wednesday night will be his 21st Origin match, where he'll be looking to back up that performance. No Queensland team in the past 45 years has lost the first game and gone on to win the next two games away from home. Steven Munster will be remembered as a champion sportsman in his own right at his home in central Queensland. He was a stalwart of Rockhampton Cricket, representing the region as well as earning Australian team selection in indoor cricket. Speaking to the ABC on Friday, Steven proudly recalled his son's sporting talents as a youngster growing up in central Queensland, as well as his daughter Danielle's achievements in touch football. "[Cameron] was very good at soccer. He was 11 playing in the under-12s and they did an assessment on him to play [club] soccer in the under-14s for Bluebirds," he said. "He passed the assessment and had two games off the bench and scored a hat-trick in both games." He also followed his father's feats on the cricket field by playing A-grade at just 17. "I turned up late. I dropped him off then went back home, had lunch and came back and he had already got the hat-trick while I was away." Cameron's NRL club, the Melbourne Storm, offered its condolences to the Munster family. "Steve was a beloved member of the Storm family and an incredible supporter of Cameron and the club," a spokesperson said. "He was a regular in the Storm sheds and at events along with his wife, Deborah, and was a constant presence at his State of Origin and Australian representative matches."' On Monday, Storm and Queensland player Harry Grant, who is also from central Queensland, paid his respects to a "beautiful family". "It is a tough time for Cam and the immediate family and extended family and everyone in camp but I think the best way we can support him is throwing our arm around him," Grant said. After taking time away to grieve with his family, Cameron is expected return for the Maroons' final training session, the captain's run, in Sydney on Tuesday. The Queensland team will also wear black armbands in a tribute to Steven on Wednesday night.


Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Perth kid's unbelievable collection of celebrity encounters
Some kids collect sports cards and others video games, but eight-year-old Noah Gianotti from Yokine has committed his young life to the pursuit of meeting his celebrity heroes and snapping photos with them. And he's been very successful. With Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, WWE superstar The Undertaker, and English soccer player Harry Kane just some of his famous encounters, Noah's parents manage the youngster's Instagram account @noahgmeets where his enviable collection is on full display. Growing up around rap and hip hop music, the youngster cares less about seeing his icon's live in their respective arenas, and more about engaging in a personal interaction with them. 'I just like having the memories of waiting for them and just seeing if they'll come and say hi, and sign an autograph,' he told PerthNow. Noah Gianotti and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Credit: @noahgmeets Noah Gianotti and WWE superstar The Undertaker. Credit: @noahgmeets Noah Gianotti and English soccer star Harry Kane. Credit: @noahgmeets His most recent brush with fame was at Perth Airport in early July, with UK rapper Central Cee stopping to sign an album cover and posing for a photo as he touched down ahead of his RAC Arena show. The diminutive fan even recited some of his favourite verses in his company, claiming the Brit is his most cherished encounter yet. 'I actually started crying after, because I'm a big fan of him,' he said. Noah's father said his son's adoration towards music stars progressed from simply playing their songs at home a couple of years ago, to a desire to meet them face-to-face. Noah Gianotti and UK rapper Central Cee at Perth Airport. Credit: @noahgmeets Tracking down globally renowned artist Post Malone early last year in Perth, the eight-year-old arrived equipped with a toy guitar that he asked the star to smash for him — mirroring the performer's on-stage antics. A viral clip of their meeting shared by his mother to TikTok since garnered five million views, with an affirming response of 'Yea buddy' from the singer warming the youngster's heart and drawing the envy of fans around the world. Noah said he feels 'lucky' to be able to share his exploits online, though his hobby requires much more than simply good fortune. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Describing his son as 'very confident', Mr Gianotti said Noah's patience and determination drove him to secure a meet and greet with elusive rapper Drake in February after waiting a staggering 15 hours the day prior. 'We went to stand outside the front of Nobu at lunch time, and because Noah had spoken to some of Drake's crew, when Drake went in I'm pretty sure they said on the way out to please talk to the kid who spoke to us yesterday,' he explained. Sure enough, the Canadian rapper extended just a minute to the youngster in a memory that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, however, Noah's efforts do occasionally go unrewarded. Noah Gianotti and hop hop star Drake at Crown Perth in early 2025. Credit: @noahgmeets Coldplay and internet celebrity IShowSpeed are two acts to have eluded the young fan, but asked if he'd have a second crack at pursuing them if allowed the chance, he confirmed, 'Yeah, of course I will'. Noah said his mates at school are sometimes oblivious to his celebrity targets, and other times, they ask to tag along. With his father running regular sports functions through his company J&N Sports Entertainment, the youngster's familiarity with fame began by rubbing shoulders with local footy players. He's now progressed to jumping on the mic with his favourite athletes watching on. Meeting the likes of Harley Reid, Caleb Serong, and Luke Jackson, the mad Dockers fan attends most Freo games and has settled on his favourite player. Noah Gianotti and Eagles star Harley Reid. Credit: @noahgmeets Noah Gianotti and Freo ruckman Luke Jackson. Credit: @noahgmeets 'I didn't know him when I went to a game, and then he must have kicked three or four goals and I thought, 'Who is he?' Then I found out his name was Michael Frederick and I've just loved him ever since,' he said. Branching out to meet international sports stars, Noah has added Indian cricketer KL Rahul, French soccer player Olivier Giroud, and WWE superstar Logan Paul to his hit list. Noah Gianotti and Fremantle Dockers star Michael Frederick. Credit: @noahgmeets 'Sam Konstas, Shai Bolton, some of the boys actually follow him,' Mr Gianotti said of his son's Instagram account. Asked about his career aspirations, the Yokine product isn't aiming too high just yet. Noah Gianotti and WWE superstar Logan Paul. Credit: @noahgmeets Noah said he would like to be involved with a sports team, possibly in the media department. Building an impressive resume, who would bet against him. Visit @noahgmeets on Instagram to see the youngster's extended list of celebrity encounters.