Canberra's Samoan international Josh Papalii says he's not concerned about losing any of his trademark physicality after shedding significant weight during the off-season.
The Queensland State of Origin representative returned to Raiders training from November's World Cup stint with Samoa, tipping the scales at 128kgs.
Josh Papalii of the Raiders. Photo: Photosport
A stern talking to from coach Ricky Stuart apparently kicked Papalii into gear, although it has not been revealed just how much weight had been lost.
"I came back after the Samoan camp a bit overweight," Papalii said.
"I wasn't training much, I was eating and drinking lots but I've got that all under control for now.
"(Stuart) has been a bit stricter this year. We had this policy, it's just black and white and you're either in or you're out," he said.
However the forward said he wouldn't lose the physical side of his game.
"I like to have that contact, the big hits and the big runs."
Papalii will be one of the keys to the Raiders shooting back into finals contention after a disappointing 2017, blighted by a number of close defeats.
Canberra's season begins with a trip to the Gold Coast on Sunday to take on a new-look Titans team.
- AAP
