Canberra Raiders veteran Josh Papalii has confirmed he will retire from rugby league at the end of the 2026 NRL season.
Papalii, who at one point was never supposed to play 2026 with the Green Machine, was offered a year extension to remain with the club after form good enough to earn him a State of Origin recall at the end of 2025.
There was still talk he was looking to play on in 2027 in the English Super League, but speaking at a media conference on Monday, Papalii said this season would be his last, meaning this weekend's game will be his last in Canberra.
The Raiders host the Brisbane Broncos on Friday evenings, before finishing their season with a b ye, and a Round 27 road trip to play the North Queensland Cowboys where Papalii will bring the curtain down on an incredible career that will likely finish on 342 games, to go with 24 State of Origins, 11 Tests for Australia, and another 13 for Samoa.
Papalii, speaking on Monday, paid praise to his teammates who made his career possible.
"This career is maybe only relaity because of the boys I play with week in and week out, and they are the special memories and bonds I'm going to miss as a player.
"I'm sure when Friday comes and we get that win, we will have a few beverages, but for now, it's just soaking in the week and it will be a good time to say my goodbyes to the NRL world.
"When the 2026 season ends, I'm announcing my retirement from the NRL."
In a touching tribute, the Raiders have confirmed they will rename GIO Stadium to "Papa's House" for this weekend's game as a one-off to recognise his career.
A mural was also unveiled in Canberra at the ground where Papalii has played 157 matches.
The Raiders also running a mullet competition, encouraging fans to bring a poster on game day and will have a Papalii takeover of the ground on Friday, with fans able to leave messages of support for the prop, or tuck into a limited edition Papa Burger.
