After Papalii's near "best on ground" performance, fullback Jack Wighton is blown away about how far the forward has come after the pair's careers started around the same time.

Papalii was brilliant coming off the bench for the Maroons in the 26-16 series-sealing victory over the NSW Blues, racking up 137 metres from his 12 runs.

He churned out the metres with powerful run after powerful run every time he got the ball in what was arguably his best game at Origin level.

The 24-year-old has established himself as a crucial cog in the Queensland pack, as the Maroons' Origin dominance continued to make it 10 wins in the last 11 series.

Raiders captain Jarrod Croker was unsure how Papalii pulled up from Wednesday night, but he was hopeful he'd be able to take his place in Canberra's second-row against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

Papalii is used to backing up, having played in the 30-18 victory over Manly Sea Eagles just two days after Origin I.

This time he has an extra two days to recover and the powerful forward will also save on petrol money.

Following Origin I, Papalii loaded the family into the car and drove back to Canberra straight after the game so he could train with the Raiders on the Thursday morning.

Instead, he'll be meeting the team when they travel up to Queensland on Friday.

Croker agreed Papalii had taken his game to another level.

"I think he has. He had a big pre-season, Papa, and really trimmed down and got stuck into it all," he said on Thursday.

"I think it showed in the first 15 or so weeks of the comp. He's been one of the standout forwards in the competition.

"He'll be the first one to tell you about his pre-season and how he changed a few off-field habits and it's really working wonders for him."

Croker wasn't surprised to see Papalii tearing it up against the Blues, although as a NSW native he would've preferred him to keep that devastating form for when he's wearing green.

Papalii has been in good form all season and has played a part in helping the Raiders climb the ladder and into the eight.

"He's been playing like that all year for us, so it's no surprise to see him play so well, but it was really good – albeit as a NSW fan – it was good to see him play well last night," Croker said.

"I thought he was one of the best on the field. I'm sure he'll bring that form back to Canberra."

Wighton and Papalii played together in the Raiders under-20s in 2011, with Papalii making his NRL debut that year.

The current Raiders fullback followed him into the top-tier the following season.

They've been teammates ever since, but Papalii has gone on to not only play for the Maroons but the Kangaroos as well.

"I think he was nearly best on ground, far out he was solid, he's just maturing as a player," Wighton said.

"We started together basically at the Raiders and the way he's shot off and took off from the group is unreal."

NRL ROUND 16

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium, 2pm. Live on Fox Sports 1.