The Canberra Raiders prop is upsizing from the home he’s owned since 2020 as he seeks more space for his growing family.

NRL star Josh Papalii’s four-bedroom house in Evatt in Canberra’s northwest is going under the hammer, and the unique property would make the ultimate haven for a young family.

NRL star Josh Papalii is selling his family home in Evatt in Canberra's northwest. Picture: Getty

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The home features an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area that connects to an outdoor entertaining space complete with a built-in barbecue.

But while the smart layout would appeal to family buyers, it's the backyard that doubles as an adventure playground that would be a hit with kids.

With a cubby house, pool and slide, the home would be a hit with kids. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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The outdoor area includes a swimming pool, towering cubby house, giant slide, sandpit and putting green, while the front yard has been converted to a half basketball court, making the most of the 802sqm block.

In fact, it was a hard sell convincing Papalii's three children to part with the property, which the family are selling to purchase a larger home in Canberra.

The property is made for entertaining, with multiple covered alfresco spaces. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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“They actually don't want to move," he told realestate.com.au. "They want to keep the house.”

“They just love the pool, the slide, the sandpit, the basketball court and the putting green.”

The putting green tucked under the cubby house is one of owner and Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii's favourite features. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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“I actually love my golf, so I'm usually out there most afternoons while the kids are in the pool.”

“We’re just looking for a bigger house. We’re expanding as a family and I felt like it's the right thing to do.”

“We get a lot of family coming down from Brissy all the time and because it’s a four-bedder we’re looking for that extra room.”

The front yard has been converted into a basketball court, but also serves as overflow parking. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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The turnkey home also includes a slow-combustion fireplace and ducted gas heating throughout, as well as a double garage. The driveway can allow parking for up to eight cars.

Selling agent Jonny Warren said the unique features of the home made it perfect for a young family with active kids.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a property like this hit the market in Canberra that ticks as many boxes for kids,” he said.

The open-plan kitchen at the rear of the home allows parents to keep an eye on the kids in the backyard. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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NZ-born Papalii, affectionately known as ‘Big Papa’, has played his entire NRL career for the Raiders, chalking up 302 first-grade games since making his debut in 2011, including the 2019 grand final.

The front rower has also made 23 State of Origin appearances for Queensland over the past decade, and has played for both Australia and Samoa at the international level.

Canberra front rower Josh Papalii recently made his 300th NRL appearance, having played his entire career at the Raiders. Picture: Getty

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Having taken up a contract extension with the Raiders until the end of 2025, Papalii is keen to keep playing for at least another season after that.

But he is already planning his next move for a life after footy, and is in the process of setting up a business in the disability care sector.

"We'll hopefully kickstart that at the end of the year," he said.

The powerhouse forward has had successful representative career playing for Queensland, Australia and Samoa. Picture: Getty

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The median house price in Evatt is $872,500, having increased 6.4% over the past year, according to PropTrack.

The property goes to auction on September 14.