Canberra’s big forwards have been sent a memo ahead of their do-or-die NRL semi-final against South Sydney on Saturday: don’t leave it all up to Papa.
Josh Papalii has earned comparisons to retired Canberra enforcer Ruben Wiki and will be high on Souths’ hit-list after emerging a clear victor in a heated battle with Cronulla captain Paul Gallen last weekend.
Raiders skipper David Shillington said the 20-year-old’s performance was an inspiration that’s also set a benchmark for his more experienced teammates to follow as they prepare to take down the Rabbitohs.
“He’s capable of leading us again in the middle,” Shillington said on Friday.
“But we talked about it this morning at training and during the week – not leaving it up to Josh to do it.
“As a pack, we need to all stand up and be beside him.
“The Souths pack is so impressive, we all need to be on if we’re going to compete with them.”
Raiders coach David Furner said his squad lost the battle in the middle the last time the two teams clashed back in round 12.
Two tries apiece to star fullback Greg Inglis and big Dave Taylor helped the Rabbitohs cruise to a 36-18 victory.
“We probably didn’t handle their middle too well and we handed over some pretty cheap possession,” Furner said.
“Semi-final football, regardless of which team you play, is going to be about completions and possession.”
Winger Jack Wighton is expected to make his return to first-grade against the Rabbitohs after being named in an extended 20-man squad, potentially his first NRL match since May when he broke a toe.
It’s set to boost the Raiders’ attacking power following the loss of centre and goalkicker Jarrod Croker, who had surgery on a fractured cheekbone on Wednesday and won’t be able to travel with the team to Sydney.
Furner has yet to make up his mind about Croker’s goalkicking replacement, but confirmed it was down to fullback Josh Dugan and winger Reece Robinson.
He’ll watch a final kicking session on game day morning before deciding, a choice he agreed could be make or break for the team.
“It’s crucial, even early points off a penalty,” Furner said.
“But I’m confident either way that they’ll be able to do the job.”
Souths coach Michael Maguire has largely kept mum on his selections this week, with a query over who will replace centre Matt King, who’s out with a broken arm, while Issac Luke has been largely hinted as a starter at hooker.