Stuart reveals where he ranks Papali'i amongst Raiders legends ahead of 300th game

08/03/2024 08:26 PM

Josh Papali'i will etch his name in the history books of the Canberra Raiders on Sunday afternoon when he becomes just the third player in history to play 300 games for the club.

The 32-year-old joins the elite company of Jarrod and Jason Croker as the only other players to complete the same accomplishment for the Raiders and will likely end his career with the most caps in club history.

Papali'i has long been one of the Raiders' best servants over the last decade and has begun to enter conversations as one of the greatest players to ever don the Green shirt.

Alongside the likes of Mal Meninga, Ricky Stuart and Laurie Daley, Papali'i is nudging his way towards breaking the club's all-time record.

Papali'i's coach and fellow Raiders' legend Ricky Stuart admitted, despite not winning a Premiership for the club he is truly amongst the greatest players in Canberra's history.

"I think he's well above me and he's well above a number of other players that have been very successful," Stuart told SEN 1170 NRL Crunch Time.

"I think we really underestimate, because Papa hasn't won a Grand Final, as of yet, it would be lovely to win one for him before he finishes off.

"Sometimes you can get a little bit lost in the haze when you haven't won a Grand Final.

"When you look back at his contribution at Origin level, Test level for both countries, you look at what he's done, he's well and truly up there amongst the names of Mal Meninga, Glenn Lazarus and Brad Clyde.

"Josh is such a humble, respectful young man, it's a privilege to have had some time as a coach with him in his career."

Papali'i will lead the Raiders out in his 300th game on Sunday afternoon as Canberra head to Belmore to face the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs.