Josh Papali'i knows an emotional whirlwind is approaching, but that's only making him more determined to ensure his final few weeks in Canberra count.
The veteran forward will leave the Raiders at the end of the season, ending a glittering 15-year tenure which includes a 2019 NRL grand final appearance and Dally M Prop of the Year award in 2020.
However, the enforcer's final year hasn't gone to plan, with the most-capped Raider missing a large chunk of the campaign with a calf issue while watching his club's hopes of making finals dwindle.
With the Green Machine embarking on a tough final five-game run, which includes four clashes against four current top-eight sides, Papali'i knows the Raiders virtually have to win all of them to have a chance of making the finals.
But that's not the only thing motivating him.
"I spoke to the boys briefly before the last home game and almost had a tear in my eye ... I know what the emotional toll will take on me when I'm saying my goodbyes here," Papali'i said.
"One thing I really concentrated on the last few years is just trying to give it all, not just on the field.
"My focus this year was when I did my calf was investing back into players. Phone calls, text messages that players know they won't receive from anyone else."
Rumours have linked Papali'i to a move to the English Super League, but the star enforcer wouldn't be lured into questions on his future.
Instead, he focused on the Raiders' clash against minor premiership favourites Penrith on Saturday in Mudgee, which will be a repeat of the 'Miracle of Mudgee' match that unfolded last year.
Canberra claimed a pulsating 20-16 golden-point victory when five-eighth Ethan Strange scooped up a Nathan Cleary missed field goal and handed it off to a barnstorming Kaeo Weekes to sprint the distance for the win.
But Papali'i isn't looking back on that game for motivation, rather looking forward to the inspiration that his rehab buddy and second-rower Matty Nicholson will bring after he returned from shoulder surgery last round.
"He's had a long process in rehab, but his role is going to be vital for this team," Papali'i said.
"Just that X-factor about Matty brings a lot of excitement around our footy team, and we're probably going to need that with Hudson (Young) out."
Ahead of the clash, reports have swirled that forward Morgan Smithies is moving to Perth Bears and captain Joe Tapine confirmed Smithies had addressed the team over his future.
"I'll probably leave it in our personal chat ... but anything he does has my support," Tapine said.
"We've got Paps (Papali'i) moving on as well ... so it would be a big loss if he does (leave)."
Australian Associated Press
