Josh Papalii will retire at the end of the 2026 NRL season, closing an extraordinary one-club career that has redefined the Canberra Raiders.
The 34-year-old will make his 341st appearance for Canberra against Brisbane on Friday night in what will be his final home game at GIO Stadium.
To honour the most-capped player in club history, the Raiders will temporarily rename their home ground “Papa’s House” for the emotional farewell.
Papalii will continue playing if Canberra’s season extends beyond Friday, meaning the Broncos clash is his final match in Canberra rather than necessarily his final NRL appearance.
Papalii Rejects Super League to Remain a One-Club Raider
Papalii had been linked with extending his career in the English Super League, but the veteran prop has chosen to retire from professional rugby league at the end of Canberra’s campaign.
The decision ensures he will remain a one-club player after making his NRL debut for the Raiders in 2011.
Papalii has played 340 games across 16 seasons, including 157 appearances at GIO Stadium, and has scored 67 tries.
He overtook Jason Croker’s Canberra appearance record in 2025 when he played his 319th match for the club.
The milestone celebration became one of the season’s most memorable moments, with Papalii scoring twice and kicking a goal in front of the Raiders faithful.
Now Canberra is preparing an even larger tribute.
GIO Stadium Becomes “Papa’s House”
The Raiders confirmed the temporary stadium name as part of a week celebrating Papalii’s contribution to the club.
“Canberra Raiders’ most-capped player and Raider No.300 Josh Papalii has announced his retirement from rugby league, ahead of his final home game at GIO Stadium Canberra this Friday night,” the club’s official announcement read.
“To celebrate his wonderful NRL career, the Raiders will be naming GIO Stadium Canberra ‘Papa’s House’ on Friday night, to recognise the contribution and commitment Josh has shown to the green jersey since making his debut in 2011.”
The announcement was also reported by SEN.
A mural depicting Papalii’s famous try against South Sydney in the 2019 preliminary final has also been unveiled at the stadium.
That try helped send Canberra into its first grand final since 1994 and remains the defining club moment of the NRL era.
One of the Modern Era’s Great Forwards
Papalii developed from a destructive edge forward into one of rugby league’s most respected middle forwards.
His combination of power, footwork, durability and controlled aggression made him a cornerstone of Ricky Stuart’s team and one of the most intimidating opponents in the competition.
Papalii represented Queensland 24 times, including his celebrated return from representative retirement for the 2025 State of Origin decider.
He also played 11 Tests for Australia before switching his international allegiance and representing Samoa on 10 occasions.
While Canberra did not win a premiership during his career, Papalii was central to the club’s return to contention.
He played in the 2019 grand final defeat to the Sydney Roosters and remained the leader of Canberra’s forward pack through several different roster cycles.
Raiders Face an Enormous Leadership Void
Replacing Papalii will involve considerably more than finding another front-rower.
Canberra is losing its appearance record-holder, an experienced representative forward and one of the club’s most recognisable modern players.
The timing is especially challenging because uncertainty continues to surround Corey Horsburgh, who has been linked with a possible move back to Queensland despite remaining contracted for 2027.
Hudson Young’s long-term future is also attracting attention as the Raiders attempt to prevent the representative back-rower from reaching the open market.
Joe Tapine will remain the leader of Canberra’s middle rotation, but Papalii’s departure will require younger forwards to assume greater responsibility.
That problem can wait.
Friday night is about celebrating a player who gave his entire professional career to the green jersey.
The official stadium name may change for only one evening, but Canberra supporters have treated GIO Stadium as Papa’s House for years.
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