11 Jun 2013

Papalii's Origin hopes alive after escaping ban

5:47 pm on 11 June 2013

Canberra back-rower Josh Papalii's hopes of selection for Queensland in the second State of Origin rugby league game are alive after he escaped censure by the NRL match review committee.

Papalii was put on report for a lifting tackle on Josh Hoffman late in Monday night's 30-18 victory for his Raiders over Brisbane in Canberra, but the match review panel saw no need to take it further.

The hard-hitting Papalii is being talked about as a Maroons debutant as coach Mal Meninga considers adding some starch to his pack ahead of game two in Brisbane on June six after Queensland were dominated up front in New South Wales' game one win.

Canberra five-eighth David Campese has been charged with making dangerous contact in the Raiders' win over the Brisbane on Monday but won't miss an NRL game.

Meanwhile Sydney Roosters back-rower Boyd Cordner will fight his grade one striking charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.