Walters to stand by Papa for Origin run

QUEENSLAND will throw disgraced Raider Josh Papalii a representative lifeline for Origin I despite his axing from the Australian side for a drinkdriving offence.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters said last night Queensland would rally around Papalii, shunning the hard line stance taken by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga.

Papalii was due to face the Kiwis in tomorrow night’s Anzac Test at Canberra’s GIO Stadium before Meninga dumped him following revelations of his alcohol-related breach.

The Raiders board have followed Meninga’s lead, standing Papalii down from Canberra’s next premiership match against Newcastle.

Queensland incumbency is no safety net for Papalii because the hulking back-rower missed the final game of last year’s Origin series with a hip injury.

But Papalii will be selected for Origin I, with Walters saying a stint in Test purgatory is sufficient punishment for the 114kg wrecking ball.

“Josh will be there for Queensland, full stop,” Walters said.

“Obviously we have a selection process to go through and he has to maintain his form, but what’s happened with Australia won’t affect his Origin chances in my eyes.

“Josh has paid a price in my eyes. He will be missing the Test match this week and he’s missing a Raiders game as well, plus he’s received a punishment from the law. But the way I feel ... Josh is a guy who has made a silly mistake, but I’m going to stand by him.”

Papalii has been showing the best form of his career.

The 24-year-old is averaging 150 running metres per game this season and, incredibly, has made just two errors in 722 minutes of action.

The hard-hitting Papalii has played six Origin games since his debut in 2013, but Walters believes the Raiders hulk is ready to come of age as an Origin force this season.