Raiders CEO comments on Papalii’s future as veteran open to stunning contract backflip….
The Canberra Raiders’ CEO, Don Furner, has indicated that all options remain on the table for club stalwart Josh Papali’i, who is out of contract at the end of 2025 and had been widely tipped to move to the Super League with St Helens . Furner confirmed that if Papali’i expressed a preference to stay, the club would welcome further discussions, though he emphasised the club plans to wait until after the season to formally open talks .
Reports suggest Papali’i has recently informed close contacts that he now intends to remain in the NRL — a shift that took the Raiders by surprise given their salary‑cap plans for 2026 didn’t account for him . Sources cite a salary expectation of around AUD 700,000 this season, but any potential Raiders extension would likely involve approximately half that amount in 2026 (~AUD 350,000) due to cap constraints .
Meanwhile, his agent Steve Gillis confirmed ongoing negotiations with both Canberra and English clubs. No firm decision has been reached yet, and Papali’i remains open to offers — whether staying or moving . With his form and Origin recall, multiple rival NRL clubs are believed to have quietly made inquiries .
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