Papali’i’s Heroic Origin Return: A Farewell to Remember, Blessed by Family
Sydney, Australia – In a State of Origin finale for the ages, Josh Papali’i’s return to the Queensland Maroons was nothing short of heroic, capped off by a touching moment with his son that transcended the sport itself.
Maroons coach Billy Slater, seeking to fortify his forward pack, made the call to the veteran Raiders prop, despite Papali’i’s recent retirement from representative football. Papali’i had initially missed Slater’s calls, as he was at the hospital with his wife, Mesepa, who had just given birth to their fourth child, Jeremiah. Remarkably, Papali’i had even played in the Raiders’ victory over the Knights just before, making an “unbelievable sacrifice,” as Raiders coach Ricky Stuart noted, with Mesepa encouraging him to play despite being close to labor.
Despite the whirlwind of events, Papali’i answered Slater’s call without hesitation. “It’s always an honour [and] privilege to represent this beautiful state,” Papali’i said after the match. “I was happily retired until Billy gave me the call, and I still had that fire in the belly for this jersey.”
In his 24th and final Origin appearance, Papali’i may have only run for 62 metres in a short 25-minute stint, but his calming presence and experience were invaluable. The Maroons controlled the game early and maintained their lead, ultimately securing a momentous come-from-behind series victory with a 24-12 win in Sydney.
The 33-year-old, who is playing his final season in Canberra, admitted to shedding a tear, but was most grateful to share the moment with his eldest son, Noah. “My family means everything to me,” Papali’i said. “There’s three things I care about and they’re my faith, my family and obviously this jersey. So [I’m] glad my son’s old enough to realise what [his] Dad’s doing and hopefully I’m here in 20 years supporting him.”
However, it was Noah who truly stole the show. Clutching his father, the young boy wiped his eyes and, slightly overwhelmed, expressed his heartfelt wish: to return to Canberra so his father could finally meet and embrace newborn Jeremiah.
“Just worried about the baby at home,” Noah said, his simple words resonating with parents everywhere. “So my dad could see him and hug him.”
Papali’i’s Origin return was a testament to his dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering love for his family and his state. It was a fitting farewell for a champion, made even more special by the touching bond he shares with his son, Noah. As Papali’i embarks on the final chapter of his career, he does so knowing that his legacy extends far beyond the football field, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and families alike.
