Papalii will return to the field the first time in two months on Saturday against Queanbeyan Kangaroos after he was given a five year and three months suspended sentence, and placed on a good behaviour order, for robbing two supermarkets in late 2013.

The young brother of Canberra Raider Josh, Papalii is keen to make for the chances he's squandered after he was sacked by the NRL club for missing a training session.

"It's been a hard couple of weeks but I'm trying to get my head screwed on now, and try and revive my career," he said.

"I'm just trying to push it after all the missed opportunities, I don't want to miss another one.

"Footy was my only getaway and it's all I've been looking forward to, taking out the stress on the field.

"It's a clear road now. It's going to be a hard one, but I have to do it or live a shitty life."

Papalii has begun a concreting job and it is hoped the long hours on site, combined with football, will give him the life balance he needs.

"I'm just keeping myself distracted, having footy and a job has given me less time to be with the wrong people," he said.

"We [Warriors] have functions sometimes where no one drinks, just for me. They've helped a lot, the club has had a real good impact on me.

"My brother's been helping me a lot actually, keeping me grounded at home and telling me what's right or wrong.

"My missus [Ronise Niko] too, I'm going to church every Saturday and Sunday."

West Belconnen coach Justin Giteau believes the relief of avoiding jail will be the wake-up call Papalii needed, and tells his every chance he gets he "should be playing NRL with his brother."

Every chance Giteau gets he tells Papalii he's several classes above the Canberra Raiders Cup, but feels a return to football after a two month layoff will provide the structure he needs.

"Personally I think it's the best thing for him, being back on the field," Giteau said.

"The best thing for Johnny is to get some structure back in his life. He's got a good job now, he's back training and it just keeps his mind on what's important for him.

"Now it's finished, seeing how close he's gone to the other side and knowing the potential he has, I think it will straighten him up a bit.

"It's nearly two years ago all this drama happened, I've seen him change in that time. He's off the drink, he's doing a lot more stuff with his family and girlfriend.

"He's only a kid and kids make mistakes, as adults do. He's grown up a lot and I have a lot of time for Johnny."

Giteau said now John's life is back on track he can work toward realising the potential which prompted the Raiders to sign him.

"I've got the highest opinion of him of anyone in the comp, every time I get the chance I tell him he's much better than this level," Giteau said.

"If he gets his mind right he's too good for this level, he should be playing alongside his brother.

"In my opinion and guys who have come back from that level and knowing what he's done in glimpses, he's got all the skill.

With John it's getting clarity in his life and making sure he's happy enough in his life."

CANBERRA RAIDERS CUP

Saturday: Queanbeyan Kangaroos v West Belconnen Warriors at Freebody Oval (3pm); Gungahlin Bulls v Queanbeyan Blues at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval (3pm).

Sunday: Woden Valley v Tuggeranong at Phillip District Oval (3pm); Goulburn v Belconnen United at Goulburn Workers Arena (3pm).