Raiders juggernaut Josh Papali’i has handed Parramatta an ominous warning leading up to tonight’s massive NRL elimination final.

Papali’i said he was fitter and fresher than he had ever been at this point in his career.

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The Raiders reached the final largely thanks to the power and lead of Papali’i and fellow player Joe Tapine. And Papali’i thinks the pair can keep up the pace throughout the final.

“I didn’t play a lot of minutes mid-season on State of Origin, so I came out a lot fresher than other years,” the 30-year-old barnstorming prop told Wide World of Sports.

“Now I don’t have any worries, my body feels good and I can have more playing time.

“And as for Joe, he’s in the best shape of his career. I’m in awe of him.

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“He’s such a dangerous player and he’s got it all…footwork before and after the line, a lanky frame that makes him hard to take down and great offloading.

“I go out there every week knowing he won’t let us down and that gives me and the rest of the squad tremendous confidence.”

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