- Son Joshua Papalii has level-three autism
Footy star Josh Papalii has a playing CV many would envy, but the Canberra Raiders enforcer has revealed a recent trip to a water park provided him with more personal joy than any of his on-field exploits.
Seeing his autistic son Joshua, four, loving life while he splashed in the pool for hours reduced ‘Paps’ to tears of joy.
The youngster has level-three autism and the Samoan international admitted the diagnosis comes with its challenges.
Attending NRL home games at GIO Stadium in the nation’s capital is out of the question as the noise can trigger a meltdown for Joshua.
Even getting a passport photo has proven to be impossible.
Which is why seeing Joshua having the time of his life at Jamberoo Action Park in NSW meant everything to Papalii, who returned to the Origin arena with Queensland this year ahead of the series decider in Sydney.
Footy star Josh Papalii (pictured right with former teammate Jamal Fogarty) has a playing CV many would envy – but the Canberra Raiders enforcer has revealed a recent trip to Jamberoo Action Park with his family provided more joy than any of his on-field exploits
Seeing his four-year-old son Joshua (pictured) loving life while he splashed in the pool for hours at the theme park reduced ‘Paps’ to tears of joy
Papalii played a key role in the Origin decider on July 9 as Queensland once again outclassed the NSW Blues (the prop is pictured, with the interstate shield)
‘Watching Joshua swim in the pool, splashing in the water and enjoying himself for more than five hours non-stop, for me, that was the most perfect day,’ Papalii told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘No premierships, no World Cup wins, no Origin series wins could ever top that for me as a father.’
Along with wife Mesepa, life is frenetic for the Papalii family.
In addition to Joshua, they have a daughter, Khalani, 11, son Noa, 7, and recent addition Jeremiah, who is four months old.
Papalii – who will represent Samoa in the upcoming Pacific Championships – is also fortunate to have coach Ricky Stuart in his corner at NRL level.
The club legend doubles as a family friend – so much so, Papalii’s kids refer to Stuart as ‘Uncle Sticky.’
When the Raiders were beaten by Cronulla last month in a result which ended the season of the minor premiers, Stuart was shattered.
Papalii’s son Noa – who sports a mullet just like his dad – spotted Stuart looking flat in the sheds.
In a touching moment, the youngster walked over and gave Stuart a kiss on the cheek followed by a cuddle.
Looking ahead to 2026, Papalii would love what has proven to be an elusive premiership ring, but Joshua has shown him what really matters in life.
