Papalii learning from Canberra youngsters before finals
Rachel Jackson |
Veteran prop Josh Papalii has been taking a leaf out of his younger teammates’ playbook ahead of Canberra’s finals campaign.
The Raiders scored a historic win against Wests Tigers in front of a sold-out crowd on Saturday, sealing their first minor premiership in 35 years.
A rocky performance from Ricky Stuart’s men brought a 24-10 win over the Tigers, who had nothing to lose after watching their top-eight hopes evaporate.
Papalii, 33, says he has been embracing every moment as it comes, and learning to switch off from the game – an attribute gained from more junior Raiders.
“These young kids, for instance Kae and Strange, away from footy, they just don’t care,” he told AAP, in a nod to the 23-year-old Kaeo Weekes and 21-year-old Ethan Strange.
“They play footy, and then they come off and enjoy life away from footy.
“So they’ve also taught me that just don’t harp on too much about footy, and when it’s time away from footy, just enjoy.”
A long finals road remains for the side according to Papalii, who is not letting off-field happenings get in the way of his game.
“I’ve had my fair share of dramas off the field, and these young boys have just sort of taken over, making me feel young again – away trips, just enjoying each others’ company,” he said.
“Just following Taps (Raiders’ captain Joe Tapine), he’s been such a great leader so far.”
Canberra’s last game before the NRL finals comes against the ninth-placed Dolphins on Sunday, with coach Ricky Stuart expected to rest a handful of players, given top spot is locked up.
“We’ve got a lot of things to work on,” Papalii said.
“Yes, it’s nice to get a bit of silverware, but the main one’s in a few weeks.
“So hopefully we’re playing some good footy into prelim and getting into another grand final.”
The prop has reprised some of his career-best form this season, breaking Jason Croker’s record for most Raiders’ games and coming out of State of Origin retirement to help Queensland to a fairytale series victory.
Papalii confirmed in August he wanted to remain at Canberra, the club he joined as a teenager some 17 years ago.
AAP
