Papali’i shrugs off calf issues earlier than Raiders opener
By Scott Bailey in Sydney
JOSH Papali’i insists he’s on monitor to play in Canberra’s NRL season opener in opposition to North Queensland regardless of persevering with to battle with a calf damage.
Papali’i required therapy at Raiders coaching on Monday as he accomplished a light-weight run, 5 days out from the conflict with the Cowboys.
Initially damage whereas warming up for Canberra’s ultimate pre-season match, Papali’i performed 20 minutes of that recreation in opposition to Canterbury. However the damage hasn’t responded to therapy and the Queensland State of Origin prop has been in a race in opposition to the clock for spherical one.
“It’s all good, clearly just a bit tweak in my calf,” Papali’i stated on Monday.
“Doing all I can to be prepared for Saturday. I ought to be alright. I had just a little run right this moment, it wasn’t too unhealthy… Simply taking it daily. Hopefully be proper for spherical one.”
One of the damaging forwards within the NRL when at his greatest, Papali’i’s absence could be an enormous blow for the Raiders.
It comes as questions nonetheless encompass the make up of the Raiders’ pack.
Joseph Tapine wore the No.13 in Canberra’s final pre-season match in opposition to Canterbury with Emre Guler taking part in entrance row, however is adamant he needs to play as a prop this yr.
Tapine loved one of the best yr of his profession final season as he began within the entrance row every recreation, capable of focus extra in his operating recreation moderately than ball taking part in.
“I’ll step again into No.10 hopefully,” he informed AAP final week.
“I’ve talked to Stick (coach Ricky Stuart) and I feel I’ll be beginning within the entrance row with Papi on the weekend.
“I used to be named at No.13 (for the second trial recreation) however I informed Emre (Guler) I needed to follow prop as a result of that’s the place I’ll play this yr.
“I favor taking part in prop, within the World Cup they needed me to do extra ball-playing however I caught to my weapons and simply ran the footy extra and tried to dump.
“I strive to not change. I feel I’m extra of a prop lately, lock has became extra of a ball-playing function.”
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