Prop on the hop: Papalii smashes season-best in try-saving sprint

Raiders prop Josh Papalii demolished his previous top speed of 2020 when he pulled off an inspirational try-saver on runaway Titans halfback Jamal Fogarty.

Defying what any normal 112-kilogram front-rower could do, the Queensland Origin star reached 31.7km/h in his 60-metre pursuit of Fogarty, according to Telstra Tracker data.

It seemed a foregone conclusion that Fogarty would score his second NRL try after streaking clear from a quick 20-metre restart in the 51st minute on Saturday until Papalii's incredible ankle-tap.

The wholehearted Papalii's previous top speed this season was 28.4km/h. He matched five-eighth Jack Wighton as Canberra's fastest player in the 36-16 win over Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium.

Even the opposition were in awe of Papalii's heroics.

Titans forward Jai Arrow, who didn't play due to a shoulder injury, watched his Queensland Origin teammate's unlikely chase-down unfold from the sideline.

"I thought [Fogarty] was gone for all money," Arrow told NRL.com's Sunday Session podcast.

"I had my hand up in the air going, 'He's going to score'. Big Papa – the mullet was flowing and he decided to ankle tap him. It was quite good from Papa. He showed some speed.

"I didn't think front-rowers were fast. Surely that's a coffee shout: if you're a halfback getting caught by a front-rower, you're buying the boys a coffee."

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart lauded Papalii's desire after the match.

"Josh Papalii showed with that ankle tap on that young half, in what should have been a try, he showed what this jumper is all about and the character these boys have inside them," Stuart said.

"I don’t underestimate anything Josh has got. He has got a wonderful motor. He is a very skilful guy for his size."