JUST IN: Few minutes Ago Canberra Raiders star player Josh Papalii has been suspended indefinitely from sports as he tested positive of….see more…

Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii has been suspended indefinitely from all forms of professional rugby league after testing positive for a banned substance, sources confirm. The 33-year-old prop, a veteran of over 300 NRL matches, is now facing a significant challenge to his illustrious career.

Positive Test Results

The suspension follows a positive result from an out-of-competition test administered by the NRL’s Anti-Doping Program. While the specific substance involved has not been disclosed, the NRL Integrity Unit has initiated an investigation into the matter. The Raiders have yet to release an official statement, but sources close to the club indicate that Papalii has been informed of the suspension and is cooperating with the investigation.

Immediate Impact

As a result of the suspension, Papalii will miss the Raiders’ upcoming matches, including their crucial finals campaign. The club is expected to announce a replacement in the coming days. This development comes at a critical time for the Raiders, who are aiming for a deep run in the finals.

Previous Disciplinary Actions

This is not the first time Papalii has faced disciplinary action. In 2017, he was suspended for one NRL match and stood down from the Australian national team following a drink-driving conviction. The Raiders’ board imposed the suspension after he pleaded guilty in an ACT court. At that time, Raiders CEO Don Furner stated, “The board believes Josh has endured a hefty punishment from both the court process and by his omission from the Kangaroos team and believed a further one-match suspension was the correct punishment” .

Looking Ahead

The NRL Anti-Doping Tribunal will convene in the coming weeks to determine the appropriate sanction for Papalii. Depending on the outcome, he could face a suspension ranging from several months to multiple years, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond. The Raiders are expected to provide an update once the tribunal has made its decision.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the stringent anti-doping policies in place within professional rugby league and the consequences athletes face when those policies are violated. The NRL and the Raiders are committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport and ensuring that all players adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

As the investigation unfolds, both the Raiders and the broader rugby league community await further developments.