Canberra Raiders NRL News

The Canberra Times

Josh Papalii's sudden State of Origin retirement has blown open the race for selection in Queensland's forward pack, as coach Billy Slater prepares to choose from a competitive field for the series opener.

Papalii, 31, announced his shock retirement from the Origin arena on Thursday, less than two weeks before Game One at Adelaide Oval on May 31.

The Canberra veteran has been an automatic inclusion in the Maroons' set-up in recent seasons, having played every game for which he was available since the beginning of the 2017 series.

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The Canberra Times

The Canberra Raiders are wary of a misfiring Turbo kicking into gear, with Jordan Rapana pointing to Kalyn Ponga's sudden return to form on the eve of State of Origin.

Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has struggled so far this season, having been hampered by injury during the opening rounds.

But Rapana said Ponga's performance last week was a warning shot for what Trbojevic was capable of against the Raiders at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

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News.com.au

Josh Papalii is the second Canberra Raiders star to announce his State of Origin retirement after informing Queensland coach Billy Slater he has decided to call time on his glittering Maroons career.

The 31-year-old wrecking ball has been a mainstay of the Queensland team, playing 23 matches for his state since making his debut for them in 2013.
Papalii started all three games in the 2022 series but wants to hand the reins over to the next generation of Queensland stars as they look to defend last year's series win.

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