Sealed Deal: St Helens suffer recruitment setback as NRL star signs deal with Canberra Raiders.

𝙎𝙀𝘼𝙇𝙀𝘿 𝘿𝙀𝘼𝙇: 𝙎𝙏 𝙃𝙀𝙇𝙀𝙉𝙎 𝙎𝙐𝙁𝙁𝙀𝙍 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙐𝙄𝙏𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙎𝙀𝙏𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆 𝘼𝙎 𝙅𝙊𝙎𝙃 𝙋𝘼𝙋𝘼𝙇𝙄’𝙄 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙔𝙎 𝙋𝙐𝙏

 

St Helens have been dealt a heavy recruitment blow as NRL stalwart Josh Papali’i has reportedly pulled back from a move to Super League, opting instead to remain with the Canberra Raiders for at least another season.

 

The Saints were believed to be close to securing the services of the Queensland and Samoa enforcer on a two-year deal beginning in 2026. The deal would have marked a marquee acquisition for the Super League giants, bringing in one of the NRL’s most respected forwards. However, fresh revelations from respected NRL journalist Danny Weidler suggest the veteran prop has had a change of heart.

 

Papali’i, who recently etched his name into Raiders history as the club’s most capped player with over 319 NRL appearances, is still performing at an elite level despite being 33 years old. His recent recall to the State of Origin arena, where he played a vital role in Queensland’s series triumph over New South Wales, further highlighted his enduring impact on the field.

 

Sour

ces close to the player suggest that the decision to stay may have been influenced by family considerations and a renewed passion for finishing his career in the NRL. With the Raiders keen to retain their loyal servant, a one-year extension is expected to be finalised, keeping him in the nation’s capital through 2026.

 

For St Helens, the news comes as a setback in their push to bolster their forward pack with international experience. Papali’i’s blend of size, aggression, and leadership was seen as a perfect fit for the Red V’s plans moving forward, especially with several veterans nearing retirement.

 

While the door hasn’t been entirely closed on a future Super League stint, any move now appears unlikely in the near term. For now, Raiders fans rejoice, and St Helens return to the drawing board.