oEAL ACCEPTED: Canberra Raiders and NRL Overjoyed as Ricky Stuart Announces Josh Papali’i as New Club Captain
Canberra, Australia – September 22, 2025
In a move that has thrilled fans and players alike, Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart has officially announced veteran prop Josh Papali’i as the new captain of the club, effective immediately. The decision comes after weeks of speculation, and both the Raiders organisation and the wider NRL community have welcomed the announcement with open arms.
A New Era for the Green Machine
The announcement was made earlier today at a press conference at Raiders HQ in Bruce, where Stuart spoke candidly about what led to the decision.
“Josh is not just a leader on the field — he’s a leader off it. His commitment to this club, his culture, his teammates, and the Canberra community is unmatched,” Stuart said. “There was never any doubt in my mind that he was the right man to lead us into this next chapter.”
Papali’i, who has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ forward pack since debuting in 2011, becomes one of the few forwards in recent history to be named captain. Known for his fearless charges, tireless defence, and calm demeanor under pressure, Papali’i brings with him a wealth of experience at both club and representative levels, having played for Queensland in State of Origin and represented both Australia and Samoa internationally.
Humble and Honoured
Speaking after the announcement, Papali’i appeared visibly emotional and humbled by the honour.
“I’ve always just tried to lead with my actions,” he said. “To be trusted with this role by Sticky [Stuart], the coaching staff, and my teammates means the world to me. This club gave me my shot, and I want to give everything back.”
The leadership change marks the end of an era following the departure of former captain Elliott Whitehead, who returned to England earlier this year. Stuart made it clear that Papali’i was the unanimous choice among senior players and coaching staff, praising his consistent presence and influence in the locker room.
Positive Reactions Across the League
The announcement has sparked widespread praise from the rugby league community. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo congratulated Papali’i on the appointment, calling him “a role model and a warrior of the modern game.”
Fans flooded social media with messages of support and excitement, with many noting that Papali’i’s passion and loyalty to the Raiders made him the obvious choice.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 NRL season looming, Papali’i’s appointment injects fresh energy into a Raiders side looking to climb back into premiership contention. The team has undergone a quiet but focused rebuild in the off-season, and Stuart believes that Papali’i’s leadership could be the X-factor they need.
As the Green Machine prepares for pre-season training, one thing is clear: with Josh Papali’i at the helm, the Raiders are not just chasing wins — they’re building a legacy.
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