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Important SN update for SouthlandShould Papali’i make an Origin comeback?
SEN • June 28th, 2025 2:30 pm
Corey Parker and Andrew McCullough have debated whether Billy Slater should try and bring back Canberra’s Josh Papali’i for Game III.
Rumours have emerged across the last few days that Papali’i could return back for Queensland within their forward pack for the Game III decider with Ben Hunt on 4BC 'hoping to God' that the rumours come true.
Papali’i last played for Queensland in Game III back in 2022 which was his 23rd appearance for the Maroons across nine years.
Given he did retire from representative football in 2023, it does appear unlikely that he would come out of retirement for it.
Although, he did admit that this season will likely be his last for the Green Machine on iHeart Radio earlier in the month which could incentivise Papali’i to feature one more time for Queensland with a move to the Super League potentially on the cards.
On SENQ Breakfast, both Parker and McCullough would debate whether the veteran prop should be selected for Game III.
Parker: “I had Paps in my penciled team which means nothing to anyone in Game II,”
“But I thought, ‘Oh, he’s retired, so maybe not’.
“If he did get an opportunity, I wouldn’t have an issue at all. I love the idea.
“But I also love the idea of giving someone like Corey Horsburgh a go, if that’s where you want to go.”
McCullough: “I feel like they won’t change the team from Game II…”
Parker: “I do feel like that because, call it how it is, Queensland were terrific defensively in Game II.
“They held on and did enough. But New South Wales scored five tries. We scored four.”
McCullough: “But are you saying that through the middle or is it a little bit on the edges?”
Parker: “I think that there could be maybe just one change in the middle.”
McCullough: “I would be sticking with solid with those guys (from Game II),”
“Paps obviously has been outstanding for Canberra, but I wouldn’t be changing it.”
Papali'i has played 15 games for the Raiders this season as Canberra find themselves within the top two on the ladder.
He is averaging 99 run metres and 97.6% tackle efficiency per game. He's scored three tries for the season.
This week’s slate of matches will be their last chance for players to push their case for selection with the squads selected expected to take place this Sunday and Monday.
Game III will take place at Accor Stadium on July 9.
