Josh Papali’i to retire from NRL at end of 2026 season

Veteran Canberra Raiders prop Josh Papali’i has announced he will retire from the NRL at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The 34-year-old, who debuted with the club in 2011, decided to forgo potential opportunities in the English Super League to prioritize his young family.

To honor his career, the Raiders unveiled a mural at GIO Stadium depicting Papali’i’s significant 2019 preliminary final try. Papali’i, the club’s most-capped player with 340 appearances, noted that an injury-prone season had impacted his physical readiness to continue.

Throughout his career, Papali’i has represented both Australia and Samoa on the international stage. He expressed deep emotional ties to the club, stating that the bonds formed with his teammates were a primary highlight of his professional journey.