🔥 Trending Josh Papalii: Raiders Legend's Career and Farewell

Josh Papali'i is a professional rugby league footballer primarily known for playing as a prop forward for the Canberra Raiders in Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) ¹³. He was born on May 13, 1992 ¹³.

Career Highlights and International Representation

Papali'i has had a distinguished career, representing both Australia and Samoa at the international level ¹. He has also been a significant player for Queensland in the State of Origin series, notably contributing to a "stunning Origin series win" ⁷. In 2025, he came out of representative retirement to aid Queensland in this victory ⁷.

Personal Life and Beliefs

Beyond his rugby career, Papali'i is also known for his personal life and beliefs. He is reportedly a "committed Christian" ⁴. Earlier in his career, in 2013, he served as a youth leader at his Christian church in Canberra, where he conducted weekly Bible studies ⁴. In 2020, he gained attention for refusing the NRL's mandatory COVID vaccination, citing his religious beliefs as the reason for his refusal ⁴.

Papali'i is also a family man. He and his partner have three children: a daughter named Khalani (11), a son named Noa (7), and another son named Jeremiah (four months old) ⁷. His son Noa has autism, and Papali'i has spoken about the profound impact of a particular moment with his autistic son, stating it meant more to him than his World Cup wins, Origin glory, and other records ⁷.