Cameron Munster’s Touching Tribute to Josh Papalii Steals Hearts After Maroons Clinch Origin Series
Queensland’s triumphant 24-12 win in the 2025 State of Origin decider was marked by tactical brilliance, standout performances, and one incredibly heartfelt moment that left fans emotional. After lifting the Origin shield at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Cameron Munster stunned fans by inviting Maroons veteran Josh Papalii to join him on stage for the symbolic trophy lift—a gesture that encapsulated the spirit and brotherhood of the Queensland team.
Munster, who was handed the captaincy for the series over longtime skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, led with both class and heart. The Melbourne Storm five-eighth was visibly emotional following the win, which came just days after the death of his father, Steven. But even in his own moment of triumph, Munster made sure to shine the spotlight on someone else: Papalii, the Canberra Raiders enforcer who had come out of representative retirement to help Queensland in their hour of need.
Papalii’s return was nothing short of heroic. Having last played Origin in 2022, the 33-year-old had since focused entirely on his club career, becoming the Raiders’ all-time appearance leader. But when Maroons coach Billy Slater made a desperate call for reinforcements ahead of the Game 3 decider, Papalii—despite dealing with personal challenges at home—answered the call.
It wasn’t an easy decision. Papalii’s wife, Sepa, had just given birth to their baby boy, and complications during the delivery meant the veteran forward spent several sleepless nights on a hospital chair. As he recalled in the post-match interviews, he missed Slater’s initial phone calls because he was by his wife’s side. But once he realized it was Slater trying to reach him, he didn’t hesitate.
“I wasn’t going to come back,” Papalii admitted. “But when I saw Bill’s number, I just said ‘yes.’ I knew the value I could bring to this team—just that calmness and experience.”
And that’s exactly what he delivered. Though Papalii was only on the field for the first 15 minutes of the game, his impact was immediate and profound. He ran for 40 metres in that initial stint—more than any other forward at that point in the match—and laid a physical foundation that allowed Queensland to seize early dominance. By halftime, the Maroons had surged to a 20-0 lead, effectively setting up their victory.
Papalii ended the game with eight runs for 76 metres and 23 tackles in just 23 minutes of game time. Yet his contributions transcended statistics. His presence brought composure and stability to the Queensland pack, calming the side during the high-pressure moments of the Origin decider.
Slater later revealed just how much faith he had in the Raiders forward, even as he worried Papalii might decline. “I was terrified he was going to say ‘sorry Bill, I’m done,’” Slater confessed. “But within a couple of words, I could tell he still had that fire. He just needed to know he was wanted.”
Indeed, Slater’s gamble paid off in spades. Along with Papalii’s steadying influence, Slater’s decision to start Tom Dearden at halfback—replacing the experienced Cherry-Evans—was validated when the young Cowboys playmaker was named Player of the Series. Dearden orchestrated Queensland’s attack with poise and confidence, justifying the coach’s bold reshuffle.
But it was Munster’s leadership that brought the night’s most emotional scenes. Moments after the full-time siren, as Queensland celebrated winning back the Origin shield, Munster—fighting back tears—motioned for Papalii to join him on stage. The gesture was captured on live television and immediately went viral across social media.
“Munster calling Papa up to come lift the shield, so wholesome,” one fan tweeted, while another added: “Love that Munster, in his first series win as captain—and after the last five days of his personal life—brings up Big Papa to lift the shield with him.”
It was a moment that exemplified Munster’s growth not just as a player, but as a leader. His ability to honor his teammate’s sacrifice while still processing his own grief touched players and fans alike. It wasn’t just a captain’s gesture—it was a deeply personal tribute to a teammate who had put family and state above all else.
Papalii, visibly moved, accepted the invitation with humility and pride. For a player who had thought his representative days were over, it was a fitting reward—and a powerful acknowledgment of the role he played in the series win.
Beyond the emotion, the 2025 Origin decider will also be remembered for its strategic excellence. Queensland’s early 20-0 lead was built on pressure, precision, and physicality. Dearden and Munster controlled the tempo, while the forwards, led by Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, and Papalii in the opening stanza, set an aggressive tone.
New South Wales mounted a mini-comeback in the second half, but the damage had already been done. Queensland’s ability to withstand the Blues’ surge and close out the match showcased their mental toughness—a hallmark of Slater’s coaching philosophy.
The victory also marks a significant milestone for the Maroons, who continue to dominate the Origin arena with a mix of emerging talent and seasoned veterans. With this win, Queensland not only reclaims the shield but also sets the tone for the next generation under leaders like Munster and Dearden.
For Papalii, the match may have been his final Origin appearance. If so, it was a farewell befitting a legend. His short stint in Game 3 reaffirmed everything he’s represented throughout his Origin career: toughness, loyalty, and unshakable commitment to the maroon jersey.
And thanks to Munster’s touching tribute, fans got to witness one of the most memorable post-match scenes in recent Origin history—a moment of raw emotion and deep respect that will be remembered long after the scoreline fades.
As the Maroons celebrated their hard-earned victory under the Sydney lights, it was clear that this series win wasn’t just about reclaiming a trophy. It was about legacy, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the cauldron of Origin football.
