Raiders legend Josh Papalii is closing in on a deal to continue his career in England rather than play against his beloved Canberra Raiders in the NRL.
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The Daily Telegraph reported Papalii is close to inking a deal with a UK Super League side after the Raiders were unable to offer him a contract extension beyond 2025.
The Raiders will be aiming to send the club legend out with a premiership as Papali’i plays his final games in Green, despite interest from rival NRL clubs for 2026.
The decision to pursue a contract in England is based on Papalii being unwilling to remain in the NRL and be made to play against his beloved Raiders.
Papali’i is in negotiations with St Helens to sign a two-year deal from 2026.
The most-capped Raider of all-time, has been transparent with Raiders management about his intention to extend his career overseas.
The 33-year-old has played 319 NRL matches, and is enjoying some of the best form of his career, having made his debut for Canberra in 2011.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart confirmed 2025 would be Papalii’s last year in Raiders colours.
“Papa (Papalii) came and spoke to (CEO) Don Furner and I some time ago and told us that he has some interest in England and also other NRL clubs and he simply said, I can’t play against the Raiders and I’ll look to secure a contract in England at some stage,’’ Stuart told The Daily Telegraph.
“From our club’s point of view, we couldn’t be prouder of Josh.
“He’s been an extremely loyal player and when the discussion turns to legends of the Raiders, one of the first name’s spoken will be Papa’s.
“How this unfolds for Papa I’m not sure, but what I do know is that he’ll give everything he has until the very last step he takes on the field for the Raiders.’’
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BENNETT SET TO LAND SOUTHS’ LATRELL 2.0
Wayne Bennett has lured another Latrell to South Sydney with Broncos young gun Latrell Siegwalt to depart Brisbane for the Rabbitohs at season’s end.
The Coureir Mail reported Siegwalt has signed a two-year deal with the Rabbitohs for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, bringing an end to his time at the Broncos at the end of 2025.
Bennett is in the advanced stages of talks to lure Siegwalt from Red Hill to Redfern where he could train with one of the best in the business in Latrell Mitchell.
The parties are in negotiations on a two-year deal which is expected to be formalised within the next week.
The Wagga Wagga local was hoping to break into the Broncos top 17 this season after being invited to train with their full-time squad over summer, but Siegwalt has been plying his trade in the Queensland Cup.
The Koori Knockout breakout star has been a revelation with Broncos feeder club Souths Logan, posting two tries, five try assists, five line breaks and 14 tackle busts in a sizzling past month of football for the Magpies.
Siegwalt’s form has caught the attention of South Sydney scouts, who are discussing either a full-time contract or development deal for the 24-year-old.
At 183cm and 86kg, Siegwalt can play fullback or five-eighth and was instrumental in the Dolphins’ charge to the Queensland Cup grand final last year under coach Ben Te’o, now an assistant at the Broncos.
The Broncos were hopeful of retaining Siegwalt but he will chase an NRL debut for the Rabbitohs alongside Mitchell.
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