Josh Papalii has inked a one-year contract extension to remain with Canberra.
The Raiders favourite appeared destined for an exit from the club where he has spent his entire NRL career to date.
However, after initially being linked to a potential move to the Super League, Papalii has provided the club with a major boost on the eve of the finals.
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Josh Papalii completes U-turn as he re-signs with the Raiders
"Canberra has been a massive part of my life for the last 16-17 years, and to extend for one more year is such an honour," Papalii said.
"I just want to keep performing and show people why I’m staying on for another year."
The prop has enjoyed a stellar season in the nation’s capital, winding back the clock as he helped to lead Canberra to the minor premiership, while earning a recall in State of Origin.
Papalii also wrote himself into the history books at the club as he became the most-capped player when he ran out for his 319th NRL appearance back in June.
The Queensland forward revealed that he wanted to extend his stay to provide guidance for the next crop of the Green Machine’s emerging talent.
"There’s a lot of talent coming through, but at the same time you need that mixture of experience and a few older heads to hold the place together," Papalii reasoned.
"Although I feel like the grandpa of the team and reaching Sia (Soliola) status, I feel good, and I can still contribute, which is the whole reason I’ve stayed on."
Meanwhile, Ricky Stuart expressed his delight at managing to secure Papalii for another year and stretch his time at the club into 16 NRL campaigns.
"Josh will already go down as one of the greatest ever players to wear a Raiders jersey, and he deserves another year playing for the club which he loves," the coach stated.
"He is an inspirational figure for all our players. Josh quietly goes about his work, and off the field he has a great effect on the younger boys in shaping their futures."