Canberra Raiders News

Josh Papalii expressed deep emotions during his final home match, overwhelmed by the support from family and fans.

Fox League

An emotional Josh Papalii has opened up on the overwhelming scenes surrounding his last home match in the nation's capital.

Announcing his retirement from the NRL earlier in the week, the Raiders veteran front-rower ran out in front of the Canberra faithful for the final time.

Speaking to Fox League's Eloise Soher after the match, Papalii revealed just how emotional the occasion became as his family and friends lined up the tunnel to farewell the club great.

"I think the walkout for me (was very emotional)," the former Queensland Maroons forward said on Fox League.

"I couldn't even breathe walking out to my kids.

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The Broncos rallied in the second half to defeat the Raiders 34-30, ending Josh Papali'i's emotional farewell home game on a sour note.

The Canberra Times

Josh Papali'i's home-ground swan song has ended in heartache, with Brisbane surging in the second half to overcome an emotional Canberra 34-30.

Papali'i announced that he would retire at the end of the season ahead of the Raiders' final home game, ending a glittering one-club tenure, in which he played in the 2019 NRL grand final and became the team's most-capped player (341 games).

But even after Canberra renamed GIO Stadium "Papa's House'' for Friday's clash, the home team only led 18-16 at halftime after two Brisbane tries while captain Pat Carrigan was in the sin bin.

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