All good things come to an end.
The end, usually, isn’t fun. For every Mal Meninga that got to walk off into the sunset a hero and a champion, there’s another player working away in the dying light of day. Alan Tongue’s last day was in front of 16 thousand people in a 14 point loss in the caverns of Homebush. Josh Hodgson walked off with an Eels jersey on his back and a fork in his knee. Jarrod Croker didn’t even get to the last game of the season, given the ignominy of three minutes off the bench in the second last round of the season.
So we should be grateful that Josh Papalii is upright, in green, and still with a chance to win the game. The Raiders made noise but didn’t deliver for his home goodbye. Maybe that can do for the away version.
This game, as we noted earlier in the week, has some fun about it. When some journeys end, others begin. It will be interesting to see how Coby Black fits with Ethan Strange and Owen Pattie in particular. I will be watching to see if the ‘cheat code’ bombs he puts up in Cup have the same impact in first grade. Malachi Smith is a hard worker and I’m curious whether his physicality is ready for first grade. It will be handy if it is.
It will be a challenge for both to handle the defensive challenges they face. The first time Black has to deal with Scott Drinkwater’s effervescence, I hope he keeps moving his feet. The first time Smith has to stand in front of Jason Taumalolo I hope he plants his base solidly.
I hope Simi Sasagi’s shoulder sustains over the coming weeks. Like most I wish he had surgery, but Simi wants to play the world cup. I hope his body cooperates, and that an offseason spent in a sling doesn’t impact his play next year.
I’m also keen to see how Noah Martin and Matty Nicholson go on the edge. Their ability to play 80 minutes will be tested by their match fitness and the humidity. But depending on how the Hudson Young thing plays out, them getting through as first-choice backrowers next season will be important, particularly to keep Zac Hosking off the edge and in the middle where he has his greatest impact.
But mostly I’m worried about Josh Papalii. I’m not worried about how he’ll be remembered. I think we all know he’ll be a Raiders legend, an inspiration to many, and a player we all hold dear in our hearts forever. But the Broncos game was an unnecessary pall, and when he gets on that plane from Townsville airport I want him to feel lightened by the burden lifted off his shoulders, not given another thing to carry for Canberra.
Because he’s carried so much. Too much. Time has come for this good thing to come to an end. Hopefully this time, it ends well.
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