Canberra Raiders NRL News

Josh Papali'i returns to Queensland's side after three years, reminiscent of former legend Allan Langer's comeback.

The Canberra Times

Josh Papali'i is officially back in the Queensland side, ending his three-year representative retirement to make a comeback in what will be one of the biggest games of his career.

Papalii retired from Origin footy before the 2023 season after 23 Origin matches and six series wins. In 2001 Maroons legend Allan Langer was also brought out of retirement by Wayne Bennett for the decider in what turned out to be a masterstroke.

His selection is deserved but also a surprise. It has that feel-good story to it like former Raider Adam Mogg's debut in 2006 when headlines screamed "Adam Who?". Mogg answered that question emphatically with two stellar...

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Queensland coach Billy Slater has selected Gehamat Shibasaki for his debut in the Origin decider.

The Daily Telegraph

Queensland coach Billy Slater has dropped one of the biggest bombshells in Origin's 45-year history by handing maligned Bronco Gehamat Shibasaki his Maroons debut for the decider.

The Shibasaki shock came as Slater hauled Josh Papalii out of Origin retirement and opted for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow over Reece Walsh at fullback for the series decider against NSW on Wednesday week in Sydney.

On a night of selection drama, Maroons hierarchy held a marathon three-hour debate as they discussed a replacement for injured fullback Kalyn Ponga.

Gehamat Shibasaki has been one of the form centres this year....

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Michael Maguire struggles to include Ben Hunt; Bulldogs must decide on Lachlan Galvin's role.

Fox League

Michael Maguire faces a dilemma with how to get Ben Hunt in his team, while the Bulldogs have a huge call to make on Lachlan Galvin's ongoing bench role.

Michael Maguire admitted it will be tough to bring Ben Hunt into a winning side after Brisbane beat the Warriors 26-12 for their third straight victory.

Read on for all of the Talking Points out of Round 17!

MADGE REVEALS HUNT PLAN AS BRONCOS REFUSE TO RELEASE COBBO

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