Canberra Raiders' star Josh Papali'i accused of intimidating police

Josh Papali’i of the Canberra Raiders has been issued charges over an alleged incident in Gungahlin. Photo: Liv Cameron.

Canberra Raiders prop Josh Papali’i will face two charges after he was accused of intimidating police at the Raiders Gungahlin club last month.

ACT Policing said officers responded to a call for help following reports that three men were behaving aggressively towards each other and staff, as well as throwing glasses, within the licenced premises at around 3 am on 16 September 2024.

When the officers arrived, they were told 32-year-old Papali’i had allegedly been verbally abusive towards a staff member when the group was asked to leave.

Police also then asked the group to leave, but he allegedly became verbally abusive and threatening towards the police officers as well.

“After negotiating with the group, the men left the premises; however, [they] re-entered a short time later,” a police spokesperson said.

“Police once again directed that they leave, at which time the man allegedly attempted to further intimidate police before the group departed the area a short time later.”

Papali’i has been issued charges of intimidating police and failing to quit licenced premises.

These will be heard in the ACT Magistrates Court on 31 October.

Also, a 30-year-old man will be served with a criminal infringement notice, a fine, for failing to quit in relation to his alleged involvement in the incident.

Police said the third man’s involvement in the incident is not under investigation.