Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Netball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Meninga hails Papalii's influence after legacy defining performance
Sam Kosack • July 10th, 2025 7:12 pm
Josh Papalii was already a hero within the halls of the Maroons. His performance in the Origin decider elevated him to a legend.
Papalii came out of retirement to play his 24th State of Origin match in last night’s decider, having last played in Queensland’s 2022 series win.
The Raiders’ enforcer spent the days leading into Game III by his wife’s bedside in hospital after she gave birth to his son, but the fire still burned bright for one last dance.
SEN’s Mal Meninga, the man who handed Papalii his Origin debut back in 2013, hailed the influence his presence had on the Queensland side, with many of their forwards playing their best games in the Origin arena.
“The beauty of Josh is that he's in camp for seven or eight days. He's got big Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) right beside him and he's got Lindsay (Collins) and Pat Carrigan who all contributed extremely well to the match last night,” Meninga told SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“He has that influence. He has got a big aura about him.
“He waltzes in, he's quiet but unassuming. When he says something, everyone listens.
“When he has an action, it's purposeful.”
Papalii was invited to lift the shield with Cameron Munster ahead of the rest of his team, reflecting how much his teammates admired and valued his presence within camp.
His sacrifice to leave his newborn son and wife to answer Billy Slater’s call will be remembered as a “story will be told as a legacy for many years to come”, according to his coach.
Despite everything, Papalii always knew he still had the fire to wear the Maroon jersey.
“I was retired. I was happy with the retirement and watching the first few games, I always had the belief in the Queenslanders,” Papalii told SEN post-game.
“I came into camp a bit late and (Munster) obviously wasn't there for half of the week after the sad news of his old man passing, but the boys turned up.
“Obviously, I missed the first couple of calls due to my son and my wife being in hospital… I accepted the call and came into camp and it was such a good week.
“It's just special mate, it's just special to still be a part of it all. (I’m) just loving every moment.”
