BREAKING NEWS : Canberra Raiders Superstar Josh Papali’i who sign a Contract Extension From 2026-29 Season with the Raiders, has Reportedly turned down a tempting jaw – Dropping $200.40 Million offer From St Helens to honor his Commitment to finish his NRL Career with the…see more……

In a stunning show of loyalty rarely seen in modern sport, Canberra Raiders superstar Josh Papali’i has reportedly rejected a jaw-dropping $200.40 million offer from English Super League giants St Helens, instead signing a contract extension with the Raiders through to the end of the 2029 NRL season.

The veteran prop, already a cornerstone of the Raiders’ forward pack and one of the club’s most respected figures, has chosen to finish his career in green, cementing his legacy as one of Canberra’s all-time greats.

“Canberra Is Home”

Sources close to Papali’i revealed that the 31-year-old powerhouse was “deeply moved” by the St Helens proposal — a record-shattering deal that would have made him the highest-paid player in rugby league history.

However, the Queensland-born international made it clear that his loyalty to the Raiders and the Canberra community outweighed any financial temptation.

> “Canberra has given me everything — my career, my family, my identity,” Papali’i said in a statement.

“This club took a chance on me as a kid, and I want to finish what I started here. The Raiders are my home.”

A Tempting Offer Rejected

Reports suggest St Helens’ offer included luxury housing, bonuses, and ambassadorial opportunities that could have extended beyond his playing career. Yet Papali’i’s decision to stay with the Raiders demonstrates an old-school sense of commitment that resonates deeply with fans.

Rugby league analysts have already dubbed the move “the loyalty play of the decade.”

NRL commentator Brad Fittler called Papali’i’s decision “a reminder that heart still matters in the modern game.”

Legacy of a Raider

Papali’i debuted for Canberra in 2011 and has since become a cornerstone of the club, amassing more than 300 NRL appearances and multiple representative honours for Queensland, Australia, and Samoa.

His leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in shaping Canberra’s culture of resilience and pride.

The new deal, running from 2026 to 2029, ensures Papali’i will finish his glittering NRL career where it began — at GIO Stadium.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart praised the decision, calling it “a massive win for the club and the community.”

> “Josh has been the heartbeat of this team for more than a decade,” Stuart said.

“He’s not just a player — he’s a leader, a mentor, and a symbol of what this club stands for.”

Impact Across the Rugby League World

Papali’i’s decision is expected to send ripples through both the NRL and the Super League. For St Helens, it marks a major recruitment setback, as the club had been targeting NRL veterans to bolster its front-row strength for the coming seasons.

For the Raiders, it’s a statement of intent — a clear message that Canberra is committed to keeping its icons and building toward another premiership run with homegrown leadership at the core.

“One Club Man”

In an era dominated by big contracts and overseas moves, Josh Papali’i’s decision to stay loyal to the Raiders may go down as one of the most defining moments of his career.

As the veteran forward prepares to lead Canberra into another chapter, one thing is certain — the Green Machine’s engine room will continue to roar with the same power, pride, and passion that made Papali’i a household name.

Summary:

Josh Papali’i, turning down a reported $200.40 million offer from St Helens, has signed an extension with the Canberra Raiders until 2029, choosing loyalty, legacy, and love for the game over financial fortune.