A year on from strong reports that he would head to St Helens and Super League, NRL legend Josh Papali’i is finally expected to make the switch to England.
The 34-year-old forward looked set to make the switch to Super League in 2025, however, the veteran found an incredible run of form last year, that ultimately saw him selected for Queensland and ensured he earned a new contract with Canberra.
It’s long been reported that Papali’i, a 334-game veteran of the Raiders, is unwilling to play against them and that’s why a Super League switch looked so likely in 2025, as initially Canberra were not keen on handing him a new contract.
That was until he hit his form but the same cannot be said this year and the 34-year-old is looking ever more likely to make the move to Super League, per reports in Australia.
Papali’i has played just five times in 2026 and not since April, and according to The Daily Telegraph, a move to Super League looms with the veteran being told by the Raiders that 2026 will ‘be his last at the club’.
The report also states that Papali’i has informed Super League clubs of his wishes to make the move but it’s unclear if last year’s chasers, St Helens, are interested in again or not.
Leeds Rhinos close in on three-year deal for NRL man
Also reported by The Daily Telegraph is the news that Leeds Rhinos target Dylan Walker will sign a three-year deal with the Headingley club, with the contract length being something that has helped sway the deal.
Walker is currently at Parramatta and the Eels were keen to keep Walker but not on such a lengthy deal with the same said for Perth Bears, who had also enquired about his services.
Instead, he is set to join Leeds and become the ultimate utility man for the Rhinos as he can play in a number of positions, including some of those that Leeds are losing to Perth.
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Halo@78
July 3, 2026 at 3:50 pm
Hmm fancies a last payday now does he? Someone will take him unfortunately, but he won’t find it easy over here.