Josh Papalii, despite personal challenges, remained a crucial influence for Queensland's Origin decider victory.
Just days before his triumphant Origin farewell, Maroons enforcer Josh Papalii was sleeping in a hospital chair beside his wife and their newborn son.
Yet in a campaign overwhelmed with disruptions, doubt and pressure, Queensland coach Billy Slater knew that Papalii was the steadying influence the Maroons needed for the series decider at Accor Stadium.
"I was terrified when he picked the phone up that he was gonna be empty of that fire," Slater said after Queensland's 24-12 win.
"But within a couple of words, I felt he still had it. At 33-years-old, the big fella's...