Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Retirement? Raiders boss drops bombshell on cult hero's future
SEN • July 22nd, 2025 4:03 pm
NRL and Raiders cult figure Josh Papali’i could retire if his club wins the Grand Final this year, according to club CEO Don Furner who says all options are on the table for the veteran.
The 33-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this season and widely reported to have agreed to a deal with Super League outfit St Helens, made the revelation to Furner recently, but the club’s position is to give the legend the space he needs to consider his future.
Furner also revealed that if Papali’i asked for a contract extension with the Raiders he had no doubt the coaches would welcome “Big Papa” with open arms.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a chat to him at the end of the year but not until then,” Furner told SEN.
“He’s got a bit on, a young family and I think he’s thinking that’s a big challenge in England, he’s always said to me and Rick he would never want to play against this club which is great to hear.
“If we could, we would (re-sign him). It’s not out of the question but it’s not going to done be any time soon we will talk about it later in the year. He said to me the other day that if we won the grand final he would hang up his boots.”
Papali’i has enjoyed an incredible season so far. In June he became the Raiders’ all-time most-capped player with his 319th game breaking Jason Croker’s record which had stood for almost 20 years.
This was followed by an unexpected call up for State of origin Game 3 in what proved to be a tactical masterclass from Billy Slater as Queensland beat NSW in the decider to reclaim the shield.
“He wants to see everything laid out and then make a decision,” Furner continued. “Out of respect for Papa we will give him that space. He’s a legend in this club.
“If he really wanted to stay for that one year I’m sure the coaches would love to have him.”
The Raiders sit four points clear at the top of the NRL ladder with seven rounds to go.
