Raiders prop pleads not guilty to abusing police in bar

NRL player Josh Papalii will fight charges stemming from allegations he behaved aggressively and threw glasses on a night out drinking. The Canberra Raiders prop's lawyer, Tom Taylor, confirmed in ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday that not guilty pleas had been entered to the charges of resisting a territory official and remaining in or re-entering a premises. ACT Policing confirmed officers responded to reports three men were behaving aggressively towards staff and each other and throwing glasses in a licensed premises early on September 16. Officers were told Papalii had verbally abused staff after being asked to leave, police said in a statement. The 32-year-old also allegedly became verbally abusive and threatening towards the officers when they asked him to leave. The group then allegedly re-entered the premises and further intimidated officers before again being asked to leave and departing a short time later, police say. Papalii's case is expected to return to court in early 2025.