Raiders statement on Josh Papalii

The Canberra Raiders Board are considering the amended AFP Statement of Facts and legal documents received today from Josh Papalii’s appearance in the ACT Magistrates Court.

The Board is mindful of the personal issues that may have led to Josh’s behaviour that night and of their duty of care for their employee. Josh will now be required to front a Raiders board on Monday morning, being the earliest time to convene all the Members together, to further clarify the circumstances surrounding his conviction in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Due to the timing of yesterday’s court decision in relation to the match on Saturday, the Raiders board has allowed Josh to participate in this rounds match before fronting the board on Monday (May 1).

This will allow the board and Josh sufficient time to obtain materials from the Court and Josh with enough time to prepare his response. It is at this time, the Board will consider appropriate further sanctions against Josh, including missing premiership matches. To summarise;

·         Josh is permitted to play for the Raiders tomorrow, but any further matches will depend on the outcome of the process on Monday.

·         The status of Josh’s selection in the Test Match will be a matter for the Kangaroos.

Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club would continue to work with the NRL Integrity Unit to ensure the best outcome was achieved to further protect the integrity of the game.

“The Canberra Raiders have a strong record in dealing with player behaviour issues and this matter will be no different. The Board Meeting Monday will give both parties time to consider the facts and to hear Josh’s side of the story before handing down any further sanctions,” Furner said. “We have to also balance personal matters and player welfare in a sensitive and confidential manner, as best we can, given the media interest.”

“Obviously, we do not condone what Josh has done but we know how remorseful he is and he remains a highly valued member of the Raiders family”.

The Raiders will be making no further comment until after Monday’s Board Meeting.