Canberra Raiders News

Josh Papali'i aims to make his last weeks with the Raiders count despite challenges.

Canberra Daily

Josh Papali'i knows an emotional whirlwind is approaching, but that's only making him more determined to ensure his final few weeks in Canberra count.

The veteran forward will leave the Raiders at the end of the season, ending a glittering 15-year tenure which includes a 2019 NRL grand final appearance and Dally M Prop of the Year award in 2020.

However, the enforcer's final year hasn't gone to plan, with the most-capped Raider missing a large chunk of the campaign with a calf issue while watching his club's hopes of making finals dwindle.

With the Green Machine embarking on a tough final five-game run, which includes four clashes against four current top-eight sides, Papali'i knows the Raiders virtually have to...

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The Panthers dropped Blaize Talagi due to defensive struggles, opting for Jack Cogger to improve their left edge performance.

The Australian

The Panthers have made the extraordinary call to dump five-eighth Blaize Talagi with just six games remaining in the regular season - and here's why.

Penrith's left edge has become a huge target for opposition teams, with Parramatta going after Talagi and centre Casey McLean last week with great success.

Talagi missed seven tackles last week and has paid the price with coach Ivan Cleary dropping him to NSW Cup, with Jack Cogger to start alongside Nathan Cleary against the Raiders this weekend.

"That'd be fair," Ivan replied when asked if the left edge's defence had been an ongoing issue after the Eels game.

"If they've been targeted for two years, we still remain the best defensive team.

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