Inside Sport understands the Knights are keen to bring Papalii to McDonald Jones Stadium next year.

The 25-year-old back-rower, who has played nine Tests for Australia and nine Origin games for Queensland, is off-contract at the end of 2018.

Papalii has been in the capital since he broke into the NRL in 2011, making 151 appearances for the Raiders.

But it is believed a move north could be a fresh start for the forward to reginite his career.

Papalii missed out on selection for the Kangaroos at last year's World Cup, instead turning out for Samoa.

He has been previously linked with a move to the New Zealand Warriors for next year.

Though they will have competition as Newcastle, with salary cap space to spend, are interested in the Raiders enforcer.

Papalii has played in both of Canberra's games in 2018.