JOSH Papalii hits like a demon but off the field the Canberra Raiders enforcer is chasing a post-footy career in the priesthood.

In a revelation that may stun the Parramatta Eels fans he snubbed to stay in the ACT, Papalii is a deeply religious and principled man off the field who regularly features with Raiders teammates serving meals to the needy at St Johns Church in Canberra.

In an interview for Fox Sports' Sterlo, the Queensland Origin hitman said he was serious about donning the cloth once his NRL career was done.

WATCH JOSH PAPALII'S INTERVIEW WITH STERLO ABOVE

"I guess this (helping the needy) is one of the steps to helping my course off the field, just becoming a priest," Papalii said.

"Just saying goodbye to all the fun things like going out clubbing, drinking ... It's a sacrifice for the real things I want.

"Becoming a priest is not easy but it's something I'm really looking into and hopefully that all goes well after my career."

Papalii, 21, said feeding meals to the poor had a major influence on his decision.

"The first time I came in it really changed my life, it just opened my eyes to the real world, not the ones fortunate with money. With fame we can really help people in need," he said.

"I guess God gave me the talent to play and the name you can have playing at the top level, you say one thing and the world will listen. God just gave me the talent and I've just got to share the word."

Young teammate Anthony Milford said Papalii had already become a leader in the team.

"He's always trying to do his part where he can to help out the community. It's really good for us young boys to have a role model like that," Milford said.

Co-captain Terry Campese said Papalii's transformation from Christian soldier to tackling demon was amazing.

" On the field he just transforms into this machine with the way he tackles and runs the ball," Campese said.