Josh Papalii, a key player for the Canberra Raiders, has expressed concern over a recent ankle injury that left him fearing he might have sustained a serious fracture. The veteran forward addressed speculation about potential mind games with the Brisbane Broncos ahead of their highly anticipated qualifying final on March 15, 2024. “No mind games here, bro,” Papalii stated, sharing a photo that highlighted the significant bruising and swelling on his left ankle.
Despite being named on an extended bench for the Raiders, Papalii indicated that his availability for the sold-out match at GIO Stadium would be determined a few days prior. He is committed to ensuring that the team has adequate time to prepare, regardless of his own circumstances.
Papalii described the incident that led to his injury, revealing, “I thought it was broken. I legitimately tripped over my own foot.” The 31-year-old explained that he rolled both ankles simultaneously, but the primary concern was the left ankle. Fortunately, after medical evaluation, it was confirmed that there were no breaks, although the area was heavily swollen.
Reflecting on his recovery, Papalii noted, “I did my syndesmosis back in 2016. I got a few tightropes in there, and they got a bit of a workout the other day.” Currently, he has not been able to run since the incident, relying on an ice machine for treatment. He plans to attempt a run later in the week as he works diligently to regain full fitness.
Papalii emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, stating, “I want to give whoever comes in [time to prepare]. It’s not about me, it’s about the team and making sure they perform well.” With the finals approaching, his focus remains on helping the Raiders secure a strong performance against the Broncos.
As the match day approaches, all eyes will be on Papalii’s recovery progress and whether he will be fit to take the field. The Raiders, currently gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating clash, will hope to have their star player back in action.
