It's the Christmas miracle that came three months early, because only Josh Papalii could overcome a potentially season-ending injury in just two days.
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The Canberra Raiders enforcer has been cleared of any serious injury to his shoulder and could be back in time for Saturday's clash with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
It was feared Papalii suffered a serious AC joint injury when he took a hit-up and was unable to finish the round-17 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Scans on Monday cleared him of any significant damage, with the Raiders' medical staff to monitor the Queensland prop throughout the week.
If he responds well, he could be a chance to play against the 11th-placed Dragons in Wollongong.
"Papalii has been cleared of any serious shoulder injury and will be monitored this week," a club statement said.
"He will be treated by club medical staff and assessed later in the week to see if he can play against the Dragons on Saturday."
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The good news comes as Canberra look to lock down Papalii as a Raider for life, with the club in the process of extending him by another two seasons through to the end of 2024.
Both parties are keen to get it done as soon as possible and the deal could be finalised this week.
The Raiders are confident Papalii will re-sign despite media reports suggesting he wanted to return to Queensland for family reasons.
Papalii told the media last week he wants to remain with the club but also has to consider his parents getting older in Brisbane.
"Canberra has been home to me for the last ten years and I still have two years left on my contract. I'm speaking to the club now about a few things that my wife and I have to consider, our parents are getting a little bit older back in Brisbane and we have no family down here," Papalii said.
"We're talking to the club about a few little things that need to fall in our favour and hopefully see myself here for a long time."
Canberra also confirmed centre Curtis Scott will miss another week as he recovers from a leg injury sustained in their round-16 win over Canterbury.
Sia Soliola (facial fracture) and Michael Oldfield (thumb) could return in the coming weeks, with the former having resumed squad training but is yet to do any contact work.
NRL ROUND 18
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons at Wollongong, 3pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
