Like a fine wine, Jarrod Croker just keeps getting better. And the scary thing is the Canberra Raiders co-captain is still young.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Papalii said they were desperate to honour Croker's 250th NRL game, which he'll bring up as a 28-year-old.
Croker will be one of the centres of attention this week as the Raiders face the Sydney Roosters in a cracking contest at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
The Raiders welcome Nick Cotric back from a three-game suspension, further bolstering the Green Machine, and Canberra coach Ricky Stuart will name Joey Leilua (neck) in the 21 on Tuesday.
Leilua has been on the sidelines for three months after undergoing spinal surgery and could return for his first game since round seven.
If he plays, it will be his 200th NRL game and set up a mouth-watering contest against Roosters star Latrell Mitchell.
If he doesn't, then Cotric could have the job of taking on Mitchell.
Prop Ryan Sutton (calf) could also return after missing the past four games.
But the main focus will be on honouring Croker, who will set another milestone against the Roosters.
Raiders prop Josh Papalii has been there for a lot of them, having made his NRL debut two years after him.
" 'Toots' is definitely a player who's worn this jersey with pride," Papalii said.
"He just seems like he's getting better each year. The older he gets - it's just like a fine wine.
"He's still young, by the way, and he's breaking all these records. I'm glad he's on my side."
MORE RAIDERS NEWS
Those records? There's a few as he closes in on Jason Croker, whose 318 NRL games is a Raiders record.
Jarrod Croker's the all-time leading try scorer and point scorer for the Green Machine and he sits eighth on the all-time point-scoring list.
Many tip him to overtake Melbourne legend Cameron Smith by the time he retires.
It's why the Raiders will do everything they can to honour their co-captain.
Just like they have with Josh Hodgson and Sia Soliola with their milestone games in recent weeks.
"Very desperate. He's done a lot in this green jersey. If we can't get up for this game, especially for Jarrod, then I don't know what game we will get up for," Papalii said.
Given the severity of Leilua's injury - a bulging disc in his neck - Raiders halfback Aidan Sezer said they wouldn't rush Leilua's return.
But he said it would be a massive boost to the squad when Leilua does play given he's one of the best centres in the NRL.
Before he got injured, Leilua's defence had gone to another level on top of his renowned potency in attack.
He just seems like he's getting better ... like a fine wine.
- Josh Papalii
He returned to training in the past fortnight after the surgeon gave him the all clear.
"[It'd be] huge. Everyone knows BJ's influence out there on the right edge," Sezer said.
"He's one of the best centres in the game. It will be a great inclusion if he's fit, but the club won't want to rush him back.
"We'll want to get him 100 per cent right and fit."
NRL ROUND 21
Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters at Canberra Stadium, 2pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.