July 15, 2025 • 35 mins
A Month to Remember of Legacy, Family & Origin Glory....
Another powerful episode this week with Raiders enforcer and legend Josh Papalii!
We dive into the magic month he’s just had:
Breaking the Raiders club record with 319 games, welcoming a new baby into his already beautiful family and his massive return in Origin Game 3, helping secure a big win for QLD!
A deep and meaningful with a true club icon — raw, real, and full of heart.
Don’t miss it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
He's not here for the clickbait all the count side critics.
It's real and full of deep and meaningfuls with the
Raiders in a circle from.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Laughs to hard truth. He'll tell you and.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
Ditch the negative noise and get behind the boys.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
This is raider Nick nig Papa away.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Mate, Yeah, good reader, Nick, thanks for having us song bellow.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
No worries man, It's been a while, but mate, perfect
time now to chime in the in the world of
Josh Papaly here what an outstanding month. First of all,
congratulations on I'm clocking three nineteen. Congratulations on the newborn mate,
the beautiful new addition to the already beautiful family of yours.
And of course congrats on that origin, that risky origin return.
(00:52):
But yet you were so successful, mate, congrats, congrats on
the beautiful month.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Pupsnah, thank you, mate, I really appreciate it obviously. Yeah,
busy month, like you said, but it's all paid off.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
I just want to dive into quickly the origin situation.
And we thought you were done and felt like they
were done. And were you asked before when you when
you're retired from red footy to come back at any stage?
Speaker 3 (01:21):
No, you know, I was happily retired after the twenty
two series and I was done. To be honest, I
wasn't looking to come back. I felt like I was
in some decent form in twenty three and twenty four,
(01:42):
and yeah, look I was happily retired for sure. But yeah,
watching games one and two, you know, Game one obviously
didn't go to the Morions way, and yeah, I just
thought I could contribute, you know, mostly off field, just
being experienced man, just to calm head within the joints.
(02:04):
So that's where the confidence of you know, seeing Yester
Bill came from.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
Because I say Risky is in because you don't you've
ended on such a great chapter and you don't want
to kind of spoil that. And you know within sport
and the planets aligned for a few weeks ago for
your three nineteenth, which we'll get into quickly a bit later,
but the fact that sometimes you don't want to undo
what's been so good, but it worked out so well.
(02:36):
I mean, I know for a fact that you added
really really well to the camp. You instilled confidence in
that younger group, but just your presence on the field
and those carries and you just lifted what is it
about that Marine Jersey pups.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
I just think, you know, the sense of brotherhood when
you go into Marones camp. Obviously done it a few
times over my years being involved with the Maroons, and
you know, just outside didn't I just I knew I
could sort of contribute and in a way, you know,
(03:11):
the younger boys could get a lot of confidence or
you know, I felt like I could just really add
in a different way other than just playing. So and
it was such a great week. You know, I've I've
went coffees with you know, most of the blokes in
our in our camp, you know, had golf days, you know,
(03:34):
and talking to you know, people that I've met for
the first time. You know, We're going out for coffees
and just enjoying each other's company. And yeah, I just
really felt like we bonded within a week and obviously
sharing last Wednesday on you know, how we went about
our business.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
It's was it a coincidence?
Speaker 4 (03:55):
I mean I believe that nothing's ever a coincidence, and
you're a deeper man yourself there. But you mentioned you
kind of started to feel like a scratch with the
first two the first two games, and then Slater Billy
just kind of gives you call out of the blue
and it just kind of married up that way, did it.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Yeah, it was it was sort of like that. Yeah,
obviously watching Game one disappointing. You know, lost that in court,
and then you know, the boys went to Perth where
the Morons really don't have a good record, you know,
the last times I've been at Perth with you know,
we're being put to the sword a few times. So
(04:35):
you know, the boys scraping home. Yeah, obviously had a
tough game against Newcastle and the same day my fourth
child being born. You know, without being there, you know
a lot of things going through my head, and I
missed the first couple of calls from from Slats just
(04:57):
you know, being in hospital connection and then obviously you know,
putting my attention and you know into my my son
and my wife. And a few days later I gave
Real a call back and yeah, he didn't really ask
much she he just asked me. But I had one
more game left in me and yeah, like I said,
(05:19):
I said yes, And a few days later I was
in camp.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Did you know what was what those calls were going
to be about? When you saw really slatter as miscalls
on your phone.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
To be honest, though, I thought he was just going
to bring me into camp, maybe light in the mood
up a bit, you know, cheer the young boys up.
And yeah, obviously speaking to Bill, and you know, straight
away he asked me I had one one game left
in me and I said yes, And you know, from
there he just told me, yeah, I'm going to start you,
(05:54):
you know with Tino and lere uh. And yeah, it
just went from there. And then a few days later
I was in camp and enjoying everyone's company and yeah,
just trying to build that that combo and that bond
within a week's time. And you know, I really thought
we started well.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
You manifested it, mate, Yeah, pretty much. That's brilliant, mate.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
And it was we were all nervous for you because,
like I said, at the start there, we just didn't
want you to undo and even if you just kind
of played your role, and I know from us from
the outside, even though a lot of stuff doesn't get
calculated about the workload and the efforts that you do,
we don't see what happens during the week, but we
just really wanted for you to go out on a
great note again, and you did that.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
You must be pleased with the way you're played.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
You know. Yeah, look, you know I wish I played
a bit better contribute, you know, a little bit more,
but you know, no one sort of remembers the game
when you're you're holding that shield at the end of
the game. Uh yeah, just just to be acknowledged, you know,
by the Moons and the Queensland people, and then from
(07:09):
you know Billy j T and uh Nate Miles who
were the staff members in camp, you know, Maddie Balin
as well. These guys put their trust in me to
do a job, and you know, it was it was
such a great week. You know, we obviously built the
week pretty well, you know, building combinations and obviously being
(07:33):
hit by the stadium news of you know, Monster losing
his old old fellow, you know, Sunday morning, you know
that obviously, you know, a massive shock and a lot
of people's you know, hearts, you know, but our thoughts
and prayers with we're with you know monsters. He went
(07:56):
back home and returned back on Tuesday. I felt like
we just had a lot more to play for and
you could see that in our performance.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
Absolutely, and you could see postgame as well, and you know,
the great scenes of yourself going there and giving him
a big kiss, and it just shows the brotherhood within
that Queensland spirit, Like it's just what I what I've
what I see, and what I've heard and what I'm
hearing from yourself as well. It's almost like you guys
(08:25):
get together in the maroons and you share the same
love for each other, like it's club Land.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Yeah yeah, well, I just feel like, you know, Queensland
has love their footy. You know, I'm not you know,
judging any new so well as people out there. I
can only comment on my love for the state and
my love for the Jersey, and I just feel like,
(08:55):
you know, we we live and die by this Jersey
and it's it's all I've ever wanted, you know, growing up.
It would probably be the same as how to you know,
for the new South Willis Jersey. But you know that
passion you know comes within and you know everything went
to a pause when Monster losses old Fellow and you know,
fully became the last thing on our mind. And I
(09:18):
just felt like that just brought us a bit closer
than normal in the camp. And you know, I don't
think anyone wanted to train that day, but we had to.
You know, I think everyone just wanted to be there
for money. And I hope he obviously had a well
send off for his old fellow and I hope all
(09:41):
the everything read well, you know, celebrating his life. And
yeah it was. It was such a such a good camp.
But like I always touch on, but yeah, that just
that love for the Jersey and the love for the state,
you know, really shown on Wednesday night.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
Yeah, definitely ode and something such devastating news for your
mate there, for your teammate could have really distabled the
group and just got is a little bit scattered, you know,
but you've just really yielded that and got the job
done and monsters out. It was an outstanding performance as
a skipper that was almost Wally Lewis like and it
was great to see the King embracing him as well.
(10:19):
And outstanding performance there. And just before we move on
from the origin was a bit I mean, regardless of that,
you know, big life experience that his learned during the week,
that challenging experience. Having not played in the first two games,
having no baggage for the first two games was a
little bit easier for you in your preparation.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Yeah, I think so, you know, to be honest, there
was there was doubts. There was I was nervous going
back into camp, you know, just like you said, I
left on such a good node and twenty two, you know,
why go back and you know have that of wrecking
(11:01):
that that final that final game, and you know, I
quickly put that aside and said, you know, I've got
to be able to contribute in any way I could,
whether that's on the field or off the field, and
the result didn't matter for me, to be honest, Well,
I know the outcome was the best for us, But yeah,
(11:25):
I think it was just it was such an honor
and privilege to put that jersey back on. And yeah,
just the way the boys played, Tommy dian and playing
you know, one of the best Origin games I've ever seen,
and I had the front seat tour, So yeah, it
was it was just such a blessing to be a
part of.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
How empowering perps is it? When you're going into a
game and you have no emotionally attachment and no emotional
attachment to the result, How freeing is that?
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Yeah, it's just just easy on the mind, you know.
You know, I don't mean to say this in a
in a mad way, but you know I previously won
six series with the Maroons, and you know the result
actually didn't matter for me. I wanted to go and
(12:19):
perform and like I said, be another soldier for for
the Maroons and whether we want or not, I made
sure that I come off the field and I was
proud of my performance. And there was another message that
you know, Slats had for many of the boys is
if you're playing well, prepping well, you know, the result
(12:42):
will look after itself. And you know, I keep touching
on on the week we had because our prep with
you know, sad news on on Sunday. You know that
that could have gone either way. The boys could have
taken that to the hard and actually not prepare as
well as we did. But you know we we've turned up,
(13:04):
played well and ended up taking the show back to hud.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
And just one more thing on the Queens ND side.
What's it like playing in the Slats and what's it
like playing under coach? So you're in club lane, you've
got really really regimented coaches, you know, the Stickies of
the world and these other play guys that you've got.
You know, played under and you're going to camp and
you get a guy who's just coin zan regular royalty.
But is you know, just kind of comes in for
(13:30):
that camp and that period. You know, let's call it
us our part time or a casual coach if you will,
do you mind? Is it refreshing when you get someone
like that coming in.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
I mean it's definitely. You definitely get a starstruck still.
You know, I played with with Billy Slader his last
couple of games for Origin. You know, I played with
j T as well and Miles you know obviously didn't
(14:03):
play with Maddy Ballin. But just just the preparation, Uh,
these men put into their work, their craft, whether that's
video on the field, just the way they talk and
address the team. You know, it wasn't refreshing. It was
you I knew what I was walking into. You know,
(14:23):
it's it's game three, it's a it's a decider, it's
a do or die game, and uh, you know you
could sort of sense the tension in the room most times.
But my my approach to this camp was just I've
got to be myself. I'm not going to try and
be anyone else, you know, I'm just going to be
the calm head that that Joe your kind of person
(14:45):
that I am, and you know, that's all I can be.
And I'm just so glad that the camp went well.
Speaker 4 (14:53):
Moving into club now and you return back to the
camera riders and what a great place to be on
top of the table halfway through the season for the runner.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Not a bad place to be. It's nice our pups, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
It's it's yeah, especially this time of the year as well,
you know, getting closer to September finals footy, and yeah,
that's where you want to be that you want to
be sitting in the top four, you know, heading into finals,
and you know, I just feel like if we can
(15:29):
keep our preparation and our detail too, you know, make
sure we're we're approaching every day to be our best,
I just feel like we'll be there thereabouts when it
comes final time. And I really give this compers shake.
And it's such a beautiful place to be when you
(15:52):
know a lot of doubters, a lot of haters said
we're going to be Wooden Spoon, but you know, we're
here proving a lot of people wrong. And you know,
from day one, we said we're going to be in
the top four, and you know, we worked our urses
off to be there, so well, I think we're slowly
reaping the rewards of all our hard work we put
(16:12):
in the off season, and you know, we just just
need to keep working hard and your head down and
us up and the results we'll look after itself.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Is it hard to transition out of at an Origin camp?
I've heard.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
I've spoken to a lot of people in the past
and they've admitted that sometimes it's hard to snap out
of camp mode, and especially after an our successful period
and you've been around fellow like minded souls, you know,
from the same from the same origin or same country.
If it's a it's a rep camp and it's national camp,
is it hard to transition back into club land? I mean,
it's not hard for the wrong word, but can you
(16:48):
get is it is it? Can it be difficult at
times because you're on such a high.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
Yeah, I think so. You know, definitely in the past,
when you know I haven't played my best game in Origin,
I've come back to clubland and you want to be
the person that people rely on. And I've come back
from Origin camp as a serious winner, and you know,
(17:15):
it's the same result you know, these boys that are
supporting you from AFAR or from club land. You know,
they're looking at their players to step up and really
transfer what you're learning camp and the atmosphere and yeah,
what you've been taught in camp to bring it back
to clubland and you know, keep running with it. But uh,
(17:40):
I mean for myself, I'm I'm pretty easy going, so
I can really adapt to just getting back and you know,
leaving that that state had, you know, at the door,
and it's all about the Raiders. Now. We had our
first day today and I felt like, yeah, just back
back to normal, you know, readers and you know, and
(18:02):
just how we go about our business. You know, we're
back on deck today. So yeah, looking forward to the
end of this season.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
It's all about to start now to run home.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
And I had hostco On here a few weeks ago Pups,
and I asked him, you've come from Penrith, you come
from these places that have been successful. Are you seeing
similar habits of what those Paris sides were doing, not
just on the field but off the field of training,
the mood set. You've been here in twenty nineteen, You've
been here in the big games. We've spoken about that.
(18:36):
What are the habits you're seeing pups now in regards
to the team of twenty twenty five achieved so much
in this part of the season, What are the kind
of habits you're seeing around the club now?
Speaker 2 (18:48):
The good habits.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Yeah, I just feel like, you know, good habits are
you know, our preparation to you know, adapt into situations
that that's uncalled for, unprepared to be in h You know,
there's a saying that stick. He always says, you you
want to be comfortable in the uncomfortable situations, and we
(19:13):
had there for the first you know, fifteen weeks with
no buy, so much travel, and we just went home
and I felt like we adapted real well to those situations.
We trained well. But what was even better is we're
(19:34):
playing well and we're wrecking up those wins, you know,
one by one. You know, we did have a few
hiccups on the way, especially with fell you know, our
back to back loss to Manly Agency Cowboys now, but
we yeah, I just felt like we just stuck to
(19:56):
you know, our prep. We didn't let those those losses
change our mentality. And then obviously, you know, we come
out play the dogs. We're up twenty zero and then
we lose. You know that that following week. You know,
Sticky didn't change as a person or as a coach.
He was the same. We still had the same goal,
(20:18):
same purpose, And I just feel like our preparation to
every day training and uh, you know all the games
coming up, I just feel like we're just ready for
so Uh. These younger boys are just you know there,
they go out on the field and they do their things.
So it's for older head like myself, it's just special
(20:41):
to be a part of.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
You spoke about with Sticky, it didn't really change anything
with even with his mood and his approach. What he
spoke to is after that loss against the dogs, that's
a great point because what I'm seeing is, and I
told this, I've been saying this as well on radio,
is what's so pleasing pups with all of you guys
is you haven't lost your heads, you haven't canted your chickens.
(21:03):
And when I talk to you, it's like I'm talking
to you like it was last year. And that's the
same with all of them, and that's what's so that's
what's so exciting knowing that is all the common language is. Yeah,
we've done well for this part of the season and
you haven't gone too far ahead. There so many times
teams can lose their heads and fall around the wayside,
(21:23):
but it's almost like, is there a sense of, Okay,
look where we are. We really want to get this right,
considering you know, coming back from some of the baggage
of twenty nineteen.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
It's a whole new team, but there's a few of us,
a few of you's there.
Speaker 4 (21:37):
Sticky was definitely there is there an element of that.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
I don't think so. I feel like we're such an
easy growing team as well. We get along with each other,
you know, off field on field, and that's led by
the leaders. I feel like, you know, than our skipper
at the moment, Joe Taps is just leading by example.
(22:03):
And you know we talk about all these leaders, but
you also need great followers as well, you know, and
the skipper's leading well. And then you've got you know,
our Rip players playing you know, out of their skin
with you know, Hudson and you know, you know boys
like Simmy who's played for their country. And then you've
(22:26):
got Styler and Hostco you know Morgan that you know
they're just doing their job. And we're doing it well.
So you know, it's it's always easy to look back
in the past and and be like, man, we had
such a great year, but it will still fail. You know,
we're still lost in the GF, and I feel like
(22:47):
all the boys are all in at the moment, and
you know that GF is definitely the goal, but you know,
sitting you know, little steps to get there as our
goal at the moment, and obviously coming up against Power
on Saturday, uh, you know, that's our first mission for
for the next block, So hopefully we can get that
(23:10):
done and get the ball rolling from there.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
How do I mention here a few weeks ago that asked,
what's what's the biggest difference you've seen, and he said, well,
less frantic this year, and then Hosco said, we're more
patient this year. What have you seen the changes of
this team.
Speaker 3 (23:26):
Of this year? Yeah, I just think everyone's just understanding
their role a bit better. You know. Previous years, you know,
we've had players just unsure of their role, you know,
and seeing that, you know, leasing key players to key positions,
you know, it's not ideal, but you know that's happened
(23:48):
this year and the next man up just has been
nailing in their roles. So you know, for example, losing
Jamal and then you know, Ethan Strange comes up, sorry
Sanders comes up and plays an excellent game, you know,
and it just looked like he was home. So and
(24:09):
you could say the same for you know, the wingers,
you know, losing to Mali, you know, and losing other
players and the boys from New Civil's Cup coming up
knowing their role and yeah, just executing what we've been practicing.
And it's such a good headache, you know for a
club to have, is that it's always hard to pick
(24:32):
a seventeen at the end of the weekend. That's just
where we're as a club.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
And you mentioned everyone seems to be really having a
deeper understanding of their role, and that just shows a
bloke like Simi Sosani, who is that utility and he's
been one of your fum players and the fact that
Sticky just puts him anywhere and he does the job.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
He does the job. He's been doing it so well.
He's flying this year.
Speaker 3 (24:58):
Yeah, yeah, no doubt, you know, Sime, you know he
will see himself in a you know, international jersey at
the end of the year. And I really hope he does.
His form has been incredible. But you know the thing
I love about, you know, boys that have come up
and have played well, is that, you know, the humility
(25:20):
they they walk around with. You know, yes they've had
a few good games, but they're not walking around like
the top ship. And you know, I think that's a
pleasing thing as an older bloke to see. Is you know,
Simmes Sny is still the same as the Sims Sny
from last year. So you know, we've got no no
carry on to here. You know, I'm pretty sure if
(25:42):
someone was to carry on, we've got a fair group
to bring him down. So we're going good so far.
Speaker 4 (25:50):
At this stage of the season. Past probably to go.
I'm just came to see the aftermath of I've had
all unfolded the post mortem of Youth Game three nineteen,
which is I know it was a couple of weeks ago.
A lot's happened since then, but I spoke to your
postgame for Triple m and and you said about like
the confidence of us were down by twelve points, but
(26:11):
you're still the confidence to come back. What a beautiful day,
like the stars aligned beautifully. Not everyone gets a moment
like that because it is sport and especially rugby league
and can go pair shape very quickly.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
It was just one of them. It was a perfect
was almost perfect that day for you pups.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
It's yeah, today I'll never forget for sure. You know,
I still get emotional and you know, I still think
about that that day and how special it was. And
you know, the people you know chanting, you know your
name and you know, and then obviously you know, being
(26:50):
down twelve z early in the game, you know, there
was no panic in our in our footy. We just
we had to hold the ball and you know, complete
some sit and build pressure and I thought we'd done
that and we obviously had a strong finish to the game.
And yeah, it was such a perfect day, not only
(27:13):
for myself but you know for the lad to you know,
probably never playing another game like that. Yeah, in a
record breaking game. And I think Sabbie Chris touched on
that during the week and was like, you know, there
there's pressure that comes with games, and this is definitely one.
But you know, you think about the occasion. You know
(27:36):
there's people playing a lot of three hundred gamers debut
games and one hundred two hundreds, but you know, not
everyone can play in a record breaking game. And you know,
looking back now at their comment, I was obviously taken
away because it's such a special milestone, not only for myself,
(27:57):
but it's also a milestone for the boys. You know,
it's helped me along the way. So uh, yeah, it
was such a special day. But the club made it
a special week and you know, I felt very loved,
not not only from the club but the community. You know,
the Canberra people coming out in numbers especially you know,
(28:18):
the weather wasn't the best, but it just shows you
the people in Canberra how loyal they are to their team.
And I'm so glad that they came out and we've
got the victory for them. And yeah, obviously jagging a
few tries and a goal kicked, you know, that was
the cherry on top.
Speaker 4 (28:35):
That's danding like the planets a line. And I think
we're spoken about this in the past so many many times.
Actually I was actually there for your debut in Melbourne.
I was fortunately at a wedding at a cousin's wedding
and I went to the footy and what did your debut?
Of course, you were coming off like an eight game
losing streak against Melbourne. You mentioned the Slats. You played
against the Slats that night. Melbourne were flying high and
(28:57):
it was a boilover to debut and three hundred plus
games later to break a record.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
This is probably more for.
Speaker 4 (29:06):
Later, but I'll ask you now, is this something can
you pinpoint the longevity and what it is? Because rugby league,
your managers, coaches, people say to you you might only
have a certain amount of game here. Apparently there's a
really small average of ones that.
Speaker 2 (29:23):
Can last their career.
Speaker 4 (29:25):
You might get eight ten years, ten years if you're lucky,
and there's also injuries you get to subside. You've got
to calculate so much in this game of rugby league.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Is there something that you.
Speaker 4 (29:34):
Can kind of pinpoint what's drove you for so long
and what's kept you at a quality? And you've had
your ups and downs that's more noted sticky dropped you
once you've come back and all that kind of jazz,
all that stuff. Is this something perps deep inside that
you can probably share that that's kind of kept that
the motor running so.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
Long and so well.
Speaker 3 (30:00):
I probably can't pinpoint, you know, one moment or one
thing that uh, you know, keeps the drive going. I
can honestly say I hate losing, and like you said,
I I've I've had you know, some good games, some games,
(30:22):
and I just, yeah, I just love to compete, you know,
whether I was you know, at my heaviest or at
my lightest start, I just I love winning and I
hate losing. But I felt like that's what's kept me going,
you know. And then you know everything factors into you
(30:45):
being the player you are, the person you are, and uh,
you know, the the drive you know, to providing for
my family, and then you know the competitor I am.
I hate losing, and then you know the love for
the club. You know, want to let them down, you know,
I want to let your family down. And then you know,
(31:06):
obviously the community, the people that come out and watch.
You know, I've sat and I've sat in the crowd before,
and you know, I've seen the youngest of the youngest,
you know, fans. You know, I've said that we're losing,
and I've seen the oldest people you know come out
in wheelchairs and you know, they're walking stick and they're
(31:27):
supporting their team. And I just felt like I've always
needed to put my my best foot forward to perform
for those people that you know, many people don't see.
So yeah, so many factors going to you know, the longevity,
you know, still having that fire and the belly to
(31:49):
you know, Chase that that GF and Chase that that
trophy at the end of the year. But in saying that,
like I just yeah, I love performing, you know, I
love the people, Canbra my family, the club, So it
plays a whole part in my longevity, to be honest.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
And it's great, Pups that you acknowledge and got that
awareness about that environment of supporters. And I often ask
some of the boys and I just don't know they
fully understand because it could be an age thing, but
you're quite mature now within your development and it's kind
of like you understanding that this club means so much
(32:29):
to people, you know, like the fans like it. You know,
camera is cold during the winter time. The canber Raiders
are such an outlet for people to just get behind
and it gets them through the cold winter. And it's
just you know, we're seeing the stories and I've introduced
you to introduce you guys to people through the radio
over the years and ones that have had cancer and
(32:50):
they've had to leave, but it's their last home game
at the Raiders and just stuff like that. The young
kids that are doing it tough, that have had so
much issues in.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
Their life and stuff.
Speaker 4 (32:58):
But the Canber Raiders, I like a solution and an
escape of joy and happiness. And it's great that you
can understand that and you play for them, don't you.
Speaker 3 (33:08):
Yeah, that's I mean, that's that's who you represent. You know.
You We're seventeen players that are selected to represent the
Camber Raiders. But people forget you know, Cambra comes before
the Raiders. You know the logo, and that's who you represent.
The people of Cambra, you know, the young kids, the
(33:30):
old the oldies. You know that they come out and
brave the weather. And that's that's why I love doing,
you know, the community work I do, you know, being
you know, I've had a few awards of my community work,
but that doesn't define me. You know, I love doing
it whether I get nominated for these awards or not.
(33:53):
And I'll still do it whether you know, being nominated
for these awards or not. And that's how much I
love the community, how much I love the club and yeah,
and obviously it's a time in life now where you know,
thinking about my future now and whether I'm here or not,
you know this this place Canberra well or a special
(34:16):
place in my heart for sure.
Speaker 4 (34:17):
Well, perhaps we're lucky to have you as not just
a raidar, but as a can baron roaming around the community.
And I think the theme of tonight has been good
things happen to good people, and the Camber Raiders and
yourself without embarrassing you very good people, and there'll be
good times ahead and whatever happens from here on in
(34:39):
you and your mates there, you and the boys have
created such joy for us camp barons and Raiders supporters
already this year. The job's not done yet, and we'll
be getting all behind you guys and tuning yous on
to get some success this year.
Speaker 3 (34:54):
Perhaps, No, thank you very much, thanks for having us
sign it said naked job's not done, so we're halfway there.
Speaker 2 (35:04):
Let's go get them pops, let's guy get it.
Speaker 3 (35:06):
Appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (35:07):
M
He's not here for the clickbait all the count side critics.
It's real and full of deep and meaningfuls with the
Raiders in a circle from.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Laughs to hard truth. He'll tell you and.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
Ditch the negative noise and get behind the boys.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
This is raider Nick nig Papa away.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Mate, Yeah, good reader, Nick, thanks for having us song bellow.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
No worries man, It's been a while, but mate, perfect
time now to chime in the in the world of
Josh Papaly here what an outstanding month. First of all,
congratulations on I'm clocking three nineteen. Congratulations on the newborn mate,
the beautiful new addition to the already beautiful family of yours.
And of course congrats on that origin, that risky origin return.
(00:52):
But yet you were so successful, mate, congrats, congrats on
the beautiful month.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Pupsnah, thank you, mate, I really appreciate it obviously. Yeah,
busy month, like you said, but it's all paid off.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
I just want to dive into quickly the origin situation.
And we thought you were done and felt like they
were done. And were you asked before when you when
you're retired from red footy to come back at any stage?
Speaker 3 (01:21):
No, you know, I was happily retired after the twenty
two series and I was done. To be honest, I
wasn't looking to come back. I felt like I was
in some decent form in twenty three and twenty four,
(01:42):
and yeah, look I was happily retired for sure. But yeah,
watching games one and two, you know, Game one obviously
didn't go to the Morions way, and yeah, I just
thought I could contribute, you know, mostly off field, just
being experienced man, just to calm head within the joints.
(02:04):
So that's where the confidence of you know, seeing Yester
Bill came from.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
Because I say Risky is in because you don't you've
ended on such a great chapter and you don't want
to kind of spoil that. And you know within sport
and the planets aligned for a few weeks ago for
your three nineteenth, which we'll get into quickly a bit later,
but the fact that sometimes you don't want to undo
what's been so good, but it worked out so well.
(02:36):
I mean, I know for a fact that you added
really really well to the camp. You instilled confidence in
that younger group, but just your presence on the field
and those carries and you just lifted what is it
about that Marine Jersey pups.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
I just think, you know, the sense of brotherhood when
you go into Marones camp. Obviously done it a few
times over my years being involved with the Maroons, and
you know, just outside didn't I just I knew I
could sort of contribute and in a way, you know,
(03:11):
the younger boys could get a lot of confidence or
you know, I felt like I could just really add
in a different way other than just playing. So and
it was such a great week. You know, I've I've
went coffees with you know, most of the blokes in
our in our camp, you know, had golf days, you know,
(03:34):
and talking to you know, people that I've met for
the first time. You know, We're going out for coffees
and just enjoying each other's company. And yeah, I just
really felt like we bonded within a week and obviously
sharing last Wednesday on you know, how we went about
our business.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
It's was it a coincidence?
Speaker 4 (03:55):
I mean I believe that nothing's ever a coincidence, and
you're a deeper man yourself there. But you mentioned you
kind of started to feel like a scratch with the
first two the first two games, and then Slater Billy
just kind of gives you call out of the blue
and it just kind of married up that way, did it.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Yeah, it was it was sort of like that. Yeah,
obviously watching Game one disappointing. You know, lost that in court,
and then you know, the boys went to Perth where
the Morons really don't have a good record, you know,
the last times I've been at Perth with you know,
we're being put to the sword a few times. So
(04:35):
you know, the boys scraping home. Yeah, obviously had a
tough game against Newcastle and the same day my fourth
child being born. You know, without being there, you know
a lot of things going through my head, and I
missed the first couple of calls from from Slats just
(04:57):
you know, being in hospital connection and then obviously you know,
putting my attention and you know into my my son
and my wife. And a few days later I gave
Real a call back and yeah, he didn't really ask
much she he just asked me. But I had one
more game left in me and yeah, like I said,
(05:19):
I said yes, And a few days later I was
in camp.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Did you know what was what those calls were going
to be about? When you saw really slatter as miscalls
on your phone.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
To be honest, though, I thought he was just going
to bring me into camp, maybe light in the mood
up a bit, you know, cheer the young boys up.
And yeah, obviously speaking to Bill, and you know, straight
away he asked me I had one one game left
in me and I said yes, And you know, from
there he just told me, yeah, I'm going to start you,
(05:54):
you know with Tino and lere uh. And yeah, it
just went from there. And then a few days later
I was in camp and enjoying everyone's company and yeah,
just trying to build that that combo and that bond
within a week's time. And you know, I really thought
we started well.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
You manifested it, mate, Yeah, pretty much. That's brilliant, mate.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
And it was we were all nervous for you because,
like I said, at the start there, we just didn't
want you to undo and even if you just kind
of played your role, and I know from us from
the outside, even though a lot of stuff doesn't get
calculated about the workload and the efforts that you do,
we don't see what happens during the week, but we
just really wanted for you to go out on a
great note again, and you did that.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
You must be pleased with the way you're played.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
You know. Yeah, look, you know I wish I played
a bit better contribute, you know, a little bit more,
but you know, no one sort of remembers the game
when you're you're holding that shield at the end of
the game. Uh yeah, just just to be acknowledged, you know,
by the Moons and the Queensland people, and then from
(07:09):
you know Billy j T and uh Nate Miles who
were the staff members in camp, you know, Maddie Balin
as well. These guys put their trust in me to
do a job, and you know, it was it was
such a great week. You know, we obviously built the
week pretty well, you know, building combinations and obviously being
(07:33):
hit by the stadium news of you know, Monster losing
his old old fellow, you know, Sunday morning, you know
that obviously, you know, a massive shock and a lot
of people's you know, hearts, you know, but our thoughts
and prayers with we're with you know monsters. He went
(07:56):
back home and returned back on Tuesday. I felt like
we just had a lot more to play for and
you could see that in our performance.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
Absolutely, and you could see postgame as well, and you know,
the great scenes of yourself going there and giving him
a big kiss, and it just shows the brotherhood within
that Queensland spirit, Like it's just what I what I've
what I see, and what I've heard and what I'm
hearing from yourself as well. It's almost like you guys
(08:25):
get together in the maroons and you share the same
love for each other, like it's club Land.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Yeah yeah, well, I just feel like, you know, Queensland
has love their footy. You know, I'm not you know,
judging any new so well as people out there. I
can only comment on my love for the state and
my love for the Jersey, and I just feel like,
(08:55):
you know, we we live and die by this Jersey
and it's it's all I've ever wanted, you know, growing up.
It would probably be the same as how to you know,
for the new South Willis Jersey. But you know that
passion you know comes within and you know everything went
to a pause when Monster losses old Fellow and you know,
fully became the last thing on our mind. And I
(09:18):
just felt like that just brought us a bit closer
than normal in the camp. And you know, I don't
think anyone wanted to train that day, but we had to.
You know, I think everyone just wanted to be there
for money. And I hope he obviously had a well
send off for his old fellow and I hope all
(09:41):
the everything read well, you know, celebrating his life. And
yeah it was. It was such a such a good camp.
But like I always touch on, but yeah, that just
that love for the Jersey and the love for the state,
you know, really shown on Wednesday night.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
Yeah, definitely ode and something such devastating news for your
mate there, for your teammate could have really distabled the
group and just got is a little bit scattered, you know,
but you've just really yielded that and got the job
done and monsters out. It was an outstanding performance as
a skipper that was almost Wally Lewis like and it
was great to see the King embracing him as well.
(10:19):
And outstanding performance there. And just before we move on
from the origin was a bit I mean, regardless of that,
you know, big life experience that his learned during the week,
that challenging experience. Having not played in the first two games,
having no baggage for the first two games was a
little bit easier for you in your preparation.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Yeah, I think so, you know, to be honest, there
was there was doubts. There was I was nervous going
back into camp, you know, just like you said, I
left on such a good node and twenty two, you know,
why go back and you know have that of wrecking
(11:01):
that that final that final game, and you know, I
quickly put that aside and said, you know, I've got
to be able to contribute in any way I could,
whether that's on the field or off the field, and
the result didn't matter for me, to be honest, Well,
I know the outcome was the best for us, But yeah,
(11:25):
I think it was just it was such an honor
and privilege to put that jersey back on. And yeah,
just the way the boys played, Tommy dian and playing
you know, one of the best Origin games I've ever seen,
and I had the front seat tour, So yeah, it
was it was just such a blessing to be a
part of.
Speaker 4 (11:46):
How empowering perps is it? When you're going into a
game and you have no emotionally attachment and no emotional
attachment to the result, How freeing is that?
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Yeah, it's just just easy on the mind, you know.
You know, I don't mean to say this in a
in a mad way, but you know I previously won
six series with the Maroons, and you know the result
actually didn't matter for me. I wanted to go and
(12:19):
perform and like I said, be another soldier for for
the Maroons and whether we want or not, I made
sure that I come off the field and I was
proud of my performance. And there was another message that
you know, Slats had for many of the boys is
if you're playing well, prepping well, you know, the result
(12:42):
will look after itself. And you know, I keep touching
on on the week we had because our prep with
you know, sad news on on Sunday. You know that
that could have gone either way. The boys could have
taken that to the hard and actually not prepare as
well as we did. But you know we we've turned up,
(13:04):
played well and ended up taking the show back to hud.
Speaker 4 (13:08):
And just one more thing on the Queens ND side.
What's it like playing in the Slats and what's it
like playing under coach? So you're in club lane, you've
got really really regimented coaches, you know, the Stickies of
the world and these other play guys that you've got.
You know, played under and you're going to camp and
you get a guy who's just coin zan regular royalty.
But is you know, just kind of comes in for
(13:30):
that camp and that period. You know, let's call it
us our part time or a casual coach if you will,
do you mind? Is it refreshing when you get someone
like that coming in.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
I mean it's definitely. You definitely get a starstruck still.
You know, I played with with Billy Slader his last
couple of games for Origin. You know, I played with
j T as well and Miles you know obviously didn't
(14:03):
play with Maddy Ballin. But just just the preparation, Uh,
these men put into their work, their craft, whether that's
video on the field, just the way they talk and
address the team. You know, it wasn't refreshing. It was
you I knew what I was walking into. You know,
(14:23):
it's it's game three, it's a it's a decider, it's
a do or die game, and uh, you know you
could sort of sense the tension in the room most times.
But my my approach to this camp was just I've
got to be myself. I'm not going to try and
be anyone else, you know, I'm just going to be
the calm head that that Joe your kind of person
(14:45):
that I am, and you know, that's all I can be.
And I'm just so glad that the camp went well.
Speaker 4 (14:53):
Moving into club now and you return back to the
camera riders and what a great place to be on
top of the table halfway through the season for the runner.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Not a bad place to be. It's nice our pups, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
It's it's yeah, especially this time of the year as well,
you know, getting closer to September finals footy, and yeah,
that's where you want to be that you want to
be sitting in the top four, you know, heading into finals,
and you know, I just feel like if we can
(15:29):
keep our preparation and our detail too, you know, make
sure we're we're approaching every day to be our best,
I just feel like we'll be there thereabouts when it
comes final time. And I really give this compers shake.
And it's such a beautiful place to be when you
(15:52):
know a lot of doubters, a lot of haters said
we're going to be Wooden Spoon, but you know, we're
here proving a lot of people wrong. And you know,
from day one, we said we're going to be in
the top four, and you know, we worked our urses
off to be there, so well, I think we're slowly
reaping the rewards of all our hard work we put
(16:12):
in the off season, and you know, we just just
need to keep working hard and your head down and
us up and the results we'll look after itself.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Is it hard to transition out of at an Origin camp?
I've heard.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
I've spoken to a lot of people in the past
and they've admitted that sometimes it's hard to snap out
of camp mode, and especially after an our successful period
and you've been around fellow like minded souls, you know,
from the same from the same origin or same country.
If it's a it's a rep camp and it's national camp,
is it hard to transition back into club land? I mean,
it's not hard for the wrong word, but can you
(16:48):
get is it is it? Can it be difficult at
times because you're on such a high.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
Yeah, I think so. You know, definitely in the past,
when you know I haven't played my best game in Origin,
I've come back to clubland and you want to be
the person that people rely on. And I've come back
from Origin camp as a serious winner, and you know,
(17:15):
it's the same result you know, these boys that are
supporting you from AFAR or from club land. You know,
they're looking at their players to step up and really
transfer what you're learning camp and the atmosphere and yeah,
what you've been taught in camp to bring it back
to clubland and you know, keep running with it. But uh,
(17:40):
I mean for myself, I'm I'm pretty easy going, so
I can really adapt to just getting back and you know,
leaving that that state had, you know, at the door,
and it's all about the Raiders. Now. We had our
first day today and I felt like, yeah, just back
back to normal, you know, readers and you know, and
(18:02):
just how we go about our business. You know, we're
back on deck today. So yeah, looking forward to the
end of this season.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
It's all about to start now to run home.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
And I had hostco On here a few weeks ago Pups,
and I asked him, you've come from Penrith, you come
from these places that have been successful. Are you seeing
similar habits of what those Paris sides were doing, not
just on the field but off the field of training,
the mood set. You've been here in twenty nineteen, You've
been here in the big games. We've spoken about that.
(18:36):
What are the habits you're seeing pups now in regards
to the team of twenty twenty five achieved so much
in this part of the season, What are the kind
of habits you're seeing around the club now?
Speaker 2 (18:48):
The good habits.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Yeah, I just feel like, you know, good habits are
you know, our preparation to you know, adapt into situations
that that's uncalled for, unprepared to be in h You know,
there's a saying that stick. He always says, you you
want to be comfortable in the uncomfortable situations, and we
(19:13):
had there for the first you know, fifteen weeks with
no buy, so much travel, and we just went home
and I felt like we adapted real well to those situations.
We trained well. But what was even better is we're
(19:34):
playing well and we're wrecking up those wins, you know,
one by one. You know, we did have a few
hiccups on the way, especially with fell you know, our
back to back loss to Manly Agency Cowboys now, but
we yeah, I just felt like we just stuck to
(19:56):
you know, our prep. We didn't let those those losses
change our mentality. And then obviously, you know, we come
out play the dogs. We're up twenty zero and then
we lose. You know that that following week. You know,
Sticky didn't change as a person or as a coach.
He was the same. We still had the same goal,
(20:18):
same purpose, And I just feel like our preparation to
every day training and uh, you know all the games
coming up, I just feel like we're just ready for
so Uh. These younger boys are just you know there,
they go out on the field and they do their things.
So it's for older head like myself, it's just special
(20:41):
to be a part of.
Speaker 4 (20:42):
You spoke about with Sticky, it didn't really change anything
with even with his mood and his approach. What he
spoke to is after that loss against the dogs, that's
a great point because what I'm seeing is, and I
told this, I've been saying this as well on radio,
is what's so pleasing pups with all of you guys
is you haven't lost your heads, you haven't canted your chickens.
(21:03):
And when I talk to you, it's like I'm talking
to you like it was last year. And that's the
same with all of them, and that's what's so that's
what's so exciting knowing that is all the common language is. Yeah,
we've done well for this part of the season and
you haven't gone too far ahead. There so many times
teams can lose their heads and fall around the wayside,
(21:23):
but it's almost like, is there a sense of, Okay,
look where we are. We really want to get this right,
considering you know, coming back from some of the baggage
of twenty nineteen.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
It's a whole new team, but there's a few of us,
a few of you's there.
Speaker 4 (21:37):
Sticky was definitely there is there an element of that.
Speaker 3 (21:42):
I don't think so. I feel like we're such an
easy growing team as well. We get along with each other,
you know, off field on field, and that's led by
the leaders. I feel like, you know, than our skipper
at the moment, Joe Taps is just leading by example.
(22:03):
And you know we talk about all these leaders, but
you also need great followers as well, you know, and
the skipper's leading well. And then you've got you know,
our Rip players playing you know, out of their skin
with you know, Hudson and you know, you know boys
like Simmy who's played for their country. And then you've
(22:26):
got Styler and Hostco you know Morgan that you know
they're just doing their job. And we're doing it well.
So you know, it's it's always easy to look back
in the past and and be like, man, we had
such a great year, but it will still fail. You know,
we're still lost in the GF, and I feel like
(22:47):
all the boys are all in at the moment, and
you know that GF is definitely the goal, but you know,
sitting you know, little steps to get there as our
goal at the moment, and obviously coming up against Power
on Saturday, uh, you know, that's our first mission for
for the next block, So hopefully we can get that
(23:10):
done and get the ball rolling from there.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
How do I mention here a few weeks ago that asked,
what's what's the biggest difference you've seen, and he said, well,
less frantic this year, and then Hosco said, we're more
patient this year. What have you seen the changes of
this team.
Speaker 3 (23:26):
Of this year? Yeah, I just think everyone's just understanding
their role a bit better. You know. Previous years, you know,
we've had players just unsure of their role, you know,
and seeing that, you know, leasing key players to key positions,
you know, it's not ideal, but you know that's happened
(23:48):
this year and the next man up just has been
nailing in their roles. So you know, for example, losing
Jamal and then you know, Ethan Strange comes up, sorry
Sanders comes up and plays an excellent game, you know,
and it just looked like he was home. So and
(24:09):
you could say the same for you know, the wingers,
you know, losing to Mali, you know, and losing other
players and the boys from New Civil's Cup coming up
knowing their role and yeah, just executing what we've been practicing.
And it's such a good headache, you know for a
club to have, is that it's always hard to pick
(24:32):
a seventeen at the end of the weekend. That's just
where we're as a club.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
And you mentioned everyone seems to be really having a
deeper understanding of their role, and that just shows a
bloke like Simi Sosani, who is that utility and he's
been one of your fum players and the fact that
Sticky just puts him anywhere and he does the job.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
He does the job. He's been doing it so well.
He's flying this year.
Speaker 3 (24:58):
Yeah, yeah, no doubt, you know, Sime, you know he
will see himself in a you know, international jersey at
the end of the year. And I really hope he does.
His form has been incredible. But you know the thing
I love about, you know, boys that have come up
and have played well, is that, you know, the humility
(25:20):
they they walk around with. You know, yes they've had
a few good games, but they're not walking around like
the top ship. And you know, I think that's a
pleasing thing as an older bloke to see. Is you know,
Simmes Sny is still the same as the Sims Sny
from last year. So you know, we've got no no
carry on to here. You know, I'm pretty sure if
(25:42):
someone was to carry on, we've got a fair group
to bring him down. So we're going good so far.
Speaker 4 (25:50):
At this stage of the season. Past probably to go.
I'm just came to see the aftermath of I've had
all unfolded the post mortem of Youth Game three nineteen,
which is I know it was a couple of weeks ago.
A lot's happened since then, but I spoke to your
postgame for Triple m and and you said about like
the confidence of us were down by twelve points, but
(26:11):
you're still the confidence to come back. What a beautiful day,
like the stars aligned beautifully. Not everyone gets a moment
like that because it is sport and especially rugby league
and can go pair shape very quickly.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
It was just one of them. It was a perfect
was almost perfect that day for you pups.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
It's yeah, today I'll never forget for sure. You know,
I still get emotional and you know, I still think
about that that day and how special it was. And
you know, the people you know chanting, you know your
name and you know, and then obviously you know, being
(26:50):
down twelve z early in the game, you know, there
was no panic in our in our footy. We just
we had to hold the ball and you know, complete
some sit and build pressure and I thought we'd done
that and we obviously had a strong finish to the game.
And yeah, it was such a perfect day, not only
(27:13):
for myself but you know for the lad to you know,
probably never playing another game like that. Yeah, in a
record breaking game. And I think Sabbie Chris touched on
that during the week and was like, you know, there
there's pressure that comes with games, and this is definitely one.
But you know, you think about the occasion. You know
(27:36):
there's people playing a lot of three hundred gamers debut
games and one hundred two hundreds, but you know, not
everyone can play in a record breaking game. And you know,
looking back now at their comment, I was obviously taken
away because it's such a special milestone, not only for myself,
(27:57):
but it's also a milestone for the boys. You know,
it's helped me along the way. So uh, yeah, it
was such a special day. But the club made it
a special week and you know, I felt very loved,
not not only from the club but the community. You know,
the Canberra people coming out in numbers especially you know,
(28:18):
the weather wasn't the best, but it just shows you
the people in Canberra how loyal they are to their team.
And I'm so glad that they came out and we've
got the victory for them. And yeah, obviously jagging a
few tries and a goal kicked, you know, that was
the cherry on top.
Speaker 4 (28:35):
That's danding like the planets a line. And I think
we're spoken about this in the past so many many times.
Actually I was actually there for your debut in Melbourne.
I was fortunately at a wedding at a cousin's wedding
and I went to the footy and what did your debut?
Of course, you were coming off like an eight game
losing streak against Melbourne. You mentioned the Slats. You played
against the Slats that night. Melbourne were flying high and
(28:57):
it was a boilover to debut and three hundred plus
games later to break a record.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
This is probably more for.
Speaker 4 (29:06):
Later, but I'll ask you now, is this something can
you pinpoint the longevity and what it is? Because rugby league,
your managers, coaches, people say to you you might only
have a certain amount of game here. Apparently there's a
really small average of ones that.
Speaker 2 (29:23):
Can last their career.
Speaker 4 (29:25):
You might get eight ten years, ten years if you're lucky,
and there's also injuries you get to subside. You've got
to calculate so much in this game of rugby league.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Is there something that you.
Speaker 4 (29:34):
Can kind of pinpoint what's drove you for so long
and what's kept you at a quality? And you've had
your ups and downs that's more noted sticky dropped you
once you've come back and all that kind of jazz,
all that stuff. Is this something perps deep inside that
you can probably share that that's kind of kept that
the motor running so.
Speaker 2 (29:55):
Long and so well.
Speaker 3 (30:00):
I probably can't pinpoint, you know, one moment or one
thing that uh, you know, keeps the drive going. I
can honestly say I hate losing, and like you said,
I I've I've had you know, some good games, some games,
(30:22):
and I just, yeah, I just love to compete, you know,
whether I was you know, at my heaviest or at
my lightest start, I just I love winning and I
hate losing. But I felt like that's what's kept me going,
you know. And then you know everything factors into you
(30:45):
being the player you are, the person you are, and uh,
you know, the the drive you know, to providing for
my family, and then you know the competitor I am.
I hate losing, and then you know the love for
the club. You know, want to let them down, you know,
I want to let your family down. And then you know,
(31:06):
obviously the community, the people that come out and watch.
You know, I've sat and I've sat in the crowd before,
and you know, I've seen the youngest of the youngest,
you know, fans. You know, I've said that we're losing,
and I've seen the oldest people you know come out
in wheelchairs and you know, they're walking stick and they're
(31:27):
supporting their team. And I just felt like I've always
needed to put my my best foot forward to perform
for those people that you know, many people don't see.
So yeah, so many factors going to you know, the longevity,
you know, still having that fire and the belly to
(31:49):
you know, Chase that that GF and Chase that that
trophy at the end of the year. But in saying that,
like I just yeah, I love performing, you know, I
love the people, Canbra my family, the club, So it
plays a whole part in my longevity, to be honest.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
And it's great, Pups that you acknowledge and got that
awareness about that environment of supporters. And I often ask
some of the boys and I just don't know they
fully understand because it could be an age thing, but
you're quite mature now within your development and it's kind
of like you understanding that this club means so much
(32:29):
to people, you know, like the fans like it. You know,
camera is cold during the winter time. The canber Raiders
are such an outlet for people to just get behind
and it gets them through the cold winter. And it's
just you know, we're seeing the stories and I've introduced
you to introduce you guys to people through the radio
over the years and ones that have had cancer and
(32:50):
they've had to leave, but it's their last home game
at the Raiders and just stuff like that. The young
kids that are doing it tough, that have had so
much issues in.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
Their life and stuff.
Speaker 4 (32:58):
But the Canber Raiders, I like a solution and an
escape of joy and happiness. And it's great that you
can understand that and you play for them, don't you.
Speaker 3 (33:08):
Yeah, that's I mean, that's that's who you represent. You know.
You We're seventeen players that are selected to represent the
Camber Raiders. But people forget you know, Cambra comes before
the Raiders. You know the logo, and that's who you represent.
The people of Cambra, you know, the young kids, the
(33:30):
old the oldies. You know that they come out and
brave the weather. And that's that's why I love doing,
you know, the community work I do, you know, being
you know, I've had a few awards of my community work,
but that doesn't define me. You know, I love doing
it whether I get nominated for these awards or not.
(33:53):
And I'll still do it whether you know, being nominated
for these awards or not. And that's how much I
love the community, how much I love the club and yeah,
and obviously it's a time in life now where you know,
thinking about my future now and whether I'm here or not,
you know this this place Canberra well or a special
(34:16):
place in my heart for sure.
Speaker 4 (34:17):
Well, perhaps we're lucky to have you as not just
a raidar, but as a can baron roaming around the community.
And I think the theme of tonight has been good
things happen to good people, and the Camber Raiders and
yourself without embarrassing you very good people, and there'll be
good times ahead and whatever happens from here on in
(34:39):
you and your mates there, you and the boys have
created such joy for us camp barons and Raiders supporters
already this year. The job's not done yet, and we'll
be getting all behind you guys and tuning yous on
to get some success this year.
Speaker 3 (34:54):
Perhaps, No, thank you very much, thanks for having us
sign it said naked job's not done, so we're halfway there.
Speaker 2 (35:04):
Let's go get them pops, let's guy get it.
Speaker 3 (35:06):
Appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (35:07):
M
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