Raiders players Terry Campese, Josh Papalii and Mark Nicholls launch the team's Canberra Centenary Strip. Paul Vaughan, second from right, is in a 1970s jersey. Photo: Katherine Griffiths
Josh Papalii said he felt good in a blue and gold jersey, but relieved Canberra Raiders fans can be assured that he still prefers the lime green.
The Raiders launched their Canberra centenary jersey on Wednesday, which the club will wear in their Round 13 match against the Brisbane Broncos on June 10.
The design is based on traditional ACT rugby league representative jerseys from the 1970s, before the existence of the Raiders. But the resemblance to the Parramatta Eels strip was obvious and the sight of Papalii modelling it could easily have made Raiders fans nervous.
Papalii reneged on a deal to join the Eels earlier this year to re-sign with the Raiders and teammate Terry Campese couldn't help but niggle him about the new-look jersey.
''Campo was geeing me up a bit about it, saying I suited the blue and yellow,'' Papalii said. ''But I'm Canberra, I prefer the green.''
Papalii could be back in the green jersey soon - the 20-year-old back rower returning to running on Wednesday for the first time since operations to both his knees.
Papalii is targeting a comeback in the round nine match against the Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium.
"I had my first running session [on Wednesday], it went pretty good. I didn't go 100 per cent, but it was close and I felt really comfortable, so hopefully I'll be back for the Newcastle game,'' he said.
''I'm recovering very well, very fast and feeling strong so hopefully I can come and do some damage for the Raiders.''
To complete the centenary strip, the Raiders have asked fans to vote on the shorts and socks the club will wear with the one-off commemorative jersey.
The choices are the white shorts and green socks of the Raiders home strip, or the blue Shorts and white Socks of the team's away strip. Votes can be made via the Raiders Facebook page www.facebook.com.au/RaidersCanberra.
The centenary jersey will also be on sale to fans.
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