Josh Papalii is a major doubt for the Canberra Raiders’ crucial qualifying final against the Brisbane Broncos after suffering a significant ankle injury during training.
According to News Corp, the veteran prop suffered the injury during a scrimmage session in Canberra last Friday, “collapsing heavily” on his ankle and requiring assistance off the field.
The Raiders star was reported being unable to bear weight on the damaged ankle and has since been placed in a moon boot as the club attempts to manage his recovery ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster at GIO Stadium.
The 33-year-old was one of 10 Raiders players rested from the club’s match against the Dolphins last Sunday, remaining in the nation’s capital to focus on training ahead of their finals campaign.
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While News Corp reported that Raiders officials remained “tight-lipped” about the severity of the injury, sources have suggested that Papalii is “unlikely to train, if at all,” ahead of the club’s captain’s run on Saturday.
Should Papalii be ruled out, coach Ricky Stuart may turn to forwards Trey Mooney or Matty Nicholson to step into the void in the Raiders’ pack.
The loss of Papalii would be a significant blow for Canberra, with the experienced forward widely regarded as an inspirational figure and key contributor in the side’s engine room.
The injury could prove even more significant if the Raiders veteran does not sign a contract extension.
Currently off-contract at the end of this season, a serious injury that sidelines him for an extended period could mean he has unknowingly played his final game for the Green Machine.