‘I replied with an F-bomb’: Papalii to rock for Maroons
Joel Gould |
He’s just become a father for the fourth time but there was no way veteran prop Josh Papalii was going to turn down an opportunity for one final State of Origin conflict with Queensland.
The 33-year-old was in hospital with wife Mesepa and baby son Jeremiah when Maroons coach Billy Slater called to ask if he had a 24th and final Origin game in him.
“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,” Papalii said.
“I spoke to Bill when I had that little break and he asked me one question, if I had one more game in me and I replied with an ‘F Bomb’ and said ‘yes, I had one more left.’
“Hopefully I can go out there next week and put on a good performance.”
Papalii last played for the Maroons in 2022 and had retired from representative football.
He is playing his final season in Canberra this year and has been in career-best form. The Maroons are looking for extra punch in the middle for the Origin decider in Sydney and Papalii was the obvious choice for one last hurrah.
“It’s definitely my last. I’m obviously just looking forward to it and soaking in the week,” he said.
“I’m still buzzing just being back in maroon. I just need to work hard and turn up next week and hopefully perform.
“I was happily retired. I was happy to just slug away down in Canberra. We’re going pretty well down in the capital as well.
“When I saw the first couple of missed calls (from Slater), I just didn’t know what to expect. And obviously I spoke to Bill and it’s very nice to be back.”
Papalii is an enforcer who has led the Maroons pack previously. His role is simple.
“I think just turning up and doing my job. I feel like I don’t have to come in and do anything special,” he said.
“You don’t really get many special things out of front-rowers these days anyway, so I just need to come and do my job and hopefully that can contribute to a win next Wednesday.”
Papalii arrived in camp on Wednesday safe in the knowledge Jeremiah and his wife are in great shape.
“They’re good now. They are out (of hospital), hence why I come in a little bit later,” he said.
“I was never coming to camp unless my family were okay and now they’re all good. We’re locked in for next Wednesday.”
In camp on the Sunshine Coast with the team, Papalii was as refreshed on Thursday as he’s been in recent times.
“It’s the best sleep I’ve had in a few weeks,” he grinned.
“Last night was good. I had one of the boys come and wake me up.”
AAP
