The 25-year-old's desire was flickering but Raiders coach Ricky Stuart's hardline stance has reignited the flame ahead of a clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday.

Papalii admits he needed to take "a few steps backwards" to rediscover the spark that made him a State of Origin sensation, and it has worked wonders in the immediate aftermath.

He responded to his axing with a monumental showing in the middle for Mounties in the NSW Cup, before he fronted up to Raiders headquarters on a day off to do extras.

Then Papalii played a crucial role in his return to the NRL as the Raiders nudged themselves up towards the top eight, which was seemingly unthinkable a fortnight ago.

"I was pretty good with it, I probably agreed with Sticky on the call dropping me back," Papalii said.

"I obviously went back and for Mounties we didn’t get a good win, but I got used to playing in the middle and that’s where I came on on the weekend [for the Raiders] as well.

"I just copped it on the chin like most players would. Sticky said I wasn’t in form and dropping back for one week didn’t hurt.

"Hopefully I’ve found a bit of spark in my career, coming off the bench wasn’t too bad so hopefully I’m named in the week coming up against Souths.

"It didn’t hurt going back and playing a bit of second grade footy. I got used to a role I’m not used to.

"I’ve been in these shoes before. I got dropped back to Souths Logan footy when we were with Souths Logan back in the day.

"Sometimes to try and get that spark you need to take a few steps backwards and come back a better player, and I think that’s what I’ve done."

Papalii could be set to take his place in the middle third again this week as the Raiders hunt for a third consecutive win, but the 13-Test veteran still isn't getting ahead of himself.

He says his top priority is simply being selected in Stuart's side to face the resurgent Rabbitohs - then he can start to think about where he will be playing.

"I’m not sure [what position I will play], I don’t pick the team. Whatever, in the green jersey," Papalii said.

"I think [the focus is] trying to keep the boys hungry again and keep them focused for one more week. Playing our kind of footy and stop worrying about other teams.

"Obviously it has worked for the last two weeks and hopefully we carry it on for the rest of the year."

Papalii's lucrative Raiders deal comes to an end this season and he has been linked with a host of rival clubs - one of which he comes up against this weekend in South Sydney.

But he says the uncertainty swirling around his future hasn't played on his mind and his solid return to the top grade - featuring a try, 132 running metres, four tackle busts and a line break - was driven by a desire to help the Raiders, not aid his chances of scoring a big money deal.

"At times for other players, but I’m pretty good with off-field stuff and all of that. If you’re playing good enough footy, that looks after the rest," Papalii said.

Did he fear being dropped would seriously affect his market value?

"Not really."

Papalii has the spark back - he will let his football do the talking.

NRL ROUND SEVEN

Saturday - South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders at Central Coast Stadium, 3pm. TV: Live on Fox League.