Denan Kemp, during one of his Bloke in a Bar YouTube videos, runs his eye over a highlights reel of Canterbury young gun Joash Papalii.
“This guy’s footwork is outstanding … a little bit like RTS [Roger Tuivasa-Sheck], I would say,” Kemp said.
“Joash Papalii: very impressive. That left-foot [step], that is from the gods. The talent is there … You can’t tell me, with footwork like that and a good work ethic, that he won’t be in a position to make his debut at some stage.”
Parramatta are planning for Papalii’s NRL debut to be for them. Having scoured the market for a well-priced speedster to provide more zip to their backline, the Eels feel they have got their man after Papalii was released from the final year of his contract at Canterbury, where he had been playing in the NSW Cup, to join the club’s arch rivals on a two-year deal.
It will give Papalii a chance to follow in the footsteps of the superstar he supported in his youth.
Joash Papalii has signed with the Parramatta eels for next season.Credit: Nick Moir
“When I was young I used to support Parramatta. There was this guy called Jarryd Hayne and everything changed,” Papalii said.
“I was a big fan of Jarryd Hayne coming through, just seeing him shine, do the Hayne Plane every time he scores a try, I was a massive fan of him as a kid.”
Like Hayne, Papalii is also a fullback and would like to make his NRL debut in the position. There’s an opening for the No.1 jersey now that Parramatta have released Clint Gutherson, although new coach Jason Ryles has earmarked Isaiah Iongi for the role.
Regardless, Papalii can play every position in the backline and former premiership-winning Bulldogs halfback Brent Sherwin, who has coached the 20-year-old, believes he also has potential as a hooker or a utility.
“I used to talk to him about footy and he religiously trained and practised,” Sherwin said.
“Now he has got a bit of a reward, it’s a good pat on the back for what he’s done. Good luck to him. I think he’s very versatile. I actually like him at No.9 because he can defend very well.
“He’s also great at the back and open play. He plays what’s in front of him, which is what I tried to teach him. I gave him a couple of pointers and he took them with both hands. I can’t wait to see him hopefully get a start in first grade and see how he goes.”
Papalii is yet to play first grade, but his junior credentials are impeccable. The Punchbowl product was the SG Ball player of year in 2022, has tasted premiership success with Canterbury’s Jersey Flegg side, represented NSW under-19s last year and was part of the Australian Schoolboys side that beat Fiji.
“When I was young I used to support Parramatta. There was this guy called Jarryd Hayne and everything changed.”
Eels signing Joash Papalii
An 80 per cent goalkicker who has worked with Daryl Halligan, Papalii’s most potent weapon – as the highlight reels attest – is the ability to beat his man, often with a lethal left-foot step.
“I’ve heard a lot of people compare me to [Storm fullback] Sua Faalogo and Tuivasa-Sheck,” he said. “I would say a bit more like Tuivasa-Sheck with that left foot, that’s what I’ve been hearing most.”
Described by Parramatta general manager of football as “an incredibly exciting young talent who possesses great speed and agility”, Papalii is expected to push for a debut under Ryles next year in a new-look backline missing departing stars Gutherson, Maika Sivo and Blaize Talagi.
“When I saw Jason Ryles for the first time I was nervous. He’s pretty tall,” the St Johns Eagles junior said.
“I just wanted to have a meeting to see what my future holds, and when I spoke to him it was a pretty awesome chat. He’s a good fella and I’m looking forward to the journey, his system and what he wants. I saw the opportunity and I’m forever grateful.”
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