Veteran Raiders enforcer Josh Papalii is reportedly getting cold feet regarding a move to England to join the Super League at the end of the 2025 NRL season.
The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to St Helens after Canberra bosses reportedly informed him they were unable to offer him a fresh contract.
However, according to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, Papalii “is having second thoughts about wanting to go to England”.
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Raiders powerbrokers are reportedly exploring the prospect of re-signing the veteran enforcer for a further season, with a new contract being “under consideration”.
Papalii has been in fine form this season, being called up to make his Origin return for Queensland in a decider victory at Accor Stadium.
He also became Canberra’s most capped player earlier this year, surpassing Jason Croker’s previous record of 318 games.
Earlier this season news emerged Papalii would be making a move, with head coach Ricky Stuart revealing the loyal prop wouldn’t sign with an NRL rival.
“Papa (Papalii) came and spoke to (CEO) Don Furner and I some time ago and told us that he has some interest in England and also other NRL clubs and he simply said, I can’t play against the Raiders and I’ll look to secure a contract in England at some stage,’’ Stuart told Code Sports.
WARRIORS’ MOVE TO TAKE OVER BRONCOS’ TURF
The Warriors are reportedly set to unveil a new academy and community program in Logan in a bid to begin poaching talent from under the Broncos’ noses.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting New Zealand’s trans-Tasman recruitment bid will be unveiled on Monday, giving Brisbane a major rival in their own southern region.
Queensland legend Cameron Smith came out of Logan, while Raiders enforcer Josh Papalii is another who hails from the town that produces a plethora of talented rugby league players.
The Broncos have previously signed David Fifita and Ezra Mam from the region, and the Warriors are hopeful they can unearth stars of their own.
“As a club, we focus on the person first and foremost,” Warriors chief executive Cameron George said.
“It’s not just about footy – it’s about providing opportunities to all young people so they can reach their potential.
“Our elite academy for boys and girls in Logan will provide a direct pathway to the New Zealand Warriors NRL and NRLW teams.
“Through the community program we’ll also be offering come-and-try days, school visits and talent identification.”
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The Warriors’ move comes after multiple recruitment blows from the Broncos, having poached Jordan Riki, Xavier Willison and Deine Mariner from New Zealand.
In the hopes of securing their own recruits, New Zealand will implement elite training programs in Logan as well as programs regarding careers outside of football for athletes.
“Logan is the leading rugby league nursery in the nation and has one of the largest populations of people of New Zealand and Pacific Island descent outside of Auckland,” Logan mayor Jon Raven said.
“The Warriors are known for their strong community connections and supporting development opportunities for young people, which are values we love here in Logan – the youngest, most diverse and fastest growing city in Queensland.”
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BRONCOS’ ENFORCER SET TO RE-SIGN
Broncos prop Corey Jensen will reportedly sign a new deal before his current contract expires at the end of the 2025 season.
The 31-year-old, according to Code Sports, will lock down his future with a multi-year deal after months of uncertainty regarding the club’s salary cap headache.
The Broncos have recently re-signed Kotoni Staggs, Adam Reynolds and Blake Mozer, while Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Ezra Mam have also put pen to paper on long-term deals.
That left Brisbane powerbrokers in a trick spot regarding juggling their cap, but Jensen is set to be rewarded for his consistent form.
The veteran prop signed with the Broncos after a stint with the Cowboys, playing 58 games across five seasons.
Since landing at the Broncos in 2022, he has piled on 78 appearances in his almost four campaigns, becoming a key member of the Red Hill club’s forward pack.
