Papalii's Test spot in doubt after charge

Apr 27, 2017 - 6:35 AM Canberra star Josh Papalii's Test selection could be in jeopardy after he was convicted of drink-driving.

The 24-year-old back-rower pleaded guilty to a drink-driving charge in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for eight months over the incident on January 15, which saw him dumped from the Raiders' leadership group.

His conviction comes one day after Mal Meninga named Papalii on the bench in the Kangaroos side to face New Zealand on May 5 at GIO Stadium.

When asked about Papalii's spot in the Test side on Thursday, NRL boss Todd Greenberg refused to rule out sanctions that could affect his selection.

"There's some discussions happening right now between the NRL integrity unit and the Canberra Raiders and I'll expect them to conclude those discussions pretty quickly," Greenberg said.

"But like we always say there's always consequences for actions, so that's a decision that'll ultimately be made by Canberra."

No outcome had been reached on possible sanctions for Papalii late on Thursday afternoon but Meninga has taken a hardline approach to disciplinary issues since taking over as coach.

He overlooked Cronulla star Andrew Fifita for national selection last year, after Fifita wrote "FKL" or "For Kieran Loveridge" on his wrist strapping during several NRL games in support of the convicted killer.

Parramatta flyer Semi Radradra was also left out of the Four Nations squad, while he faced domestic violence charges.

Asked if Papalii should stand down from the Kangaroos squad, Raiders chief executive Don Furner said: "That won't be his decision.

"Josh is very remorseful for what went on today.

"We're happy that it's over and we move on from here."

Papalii's teammate Shannon Boyd could be the beneficiary of any sanction, with the giant prop selected as the 18th man in Meninga's squad.

Any NRL suspension could hurt Canberra's chances in Saturday's match against Canterbury with Papalii a standout performer for the Raiders this season.

Source: AAP