Papalii boost for Raiders ahead of Broncos finals clash

Jacob Shteyman |

Josh Papalii has been cleared to line up for the Raiders against the Broncos.
Josh Papalii has been cleared to line up for the Raiders against the Broncos.

Canberra have received a boost ahead of their crucial qualifying final against Brisbane, star forward Josh Papalii cleared to play just before kick-off.

The Raiders’ most-capped player was in a race against the clock to overcome an ankle injury suffered in training more than a week ago.

Shortly before Sunday’s clash got under way at a sold-out GIO Stadium, Canberra confirmed Papalii would start alongside captain Joe Tapine in the front row.

English-born second-rower Matty Nicholson will be on standby as 18th man.

The 33-year-old has been a stand-out for the Raiders this season, earning a Queensland State of Origin recall and a one-year contract extension to keep him in Canberra until the end of 2026.

The Broncos escaped an injury blow of their own, with star fullback Reece Walsh overcoming a calf injury sustained in training to be named in the visitors’ starting squad.

The Raiders defeated Brisbane 32-22 in their only previous clash this season, way back in round two.

The winner of Sunday’s clash will progress to week three of finals, while the loser will host Cronulla in a sudden-death showdown next weekend. 

AAP