Ahead of the Raiders' final home game, Papali'i announced that he would retire at the end of the season, ending a glittering one-club tenure, in which he played in the 2019 NRL grand final and became Canberra's most-capped player (341 games).
But even after Canberra renamed GIO Stadium "Papa's House'' for Friday's clash, the home team only led 18-16 at halftime after two Brisbane tries while Broncos captain Pat Carrigan was in the sin bin.
The Raiders put themselves in the box seat when hooker Owen Pattie and second-rower Zac Hosking crossed, but two tries in three minutes thrust the visitors back into the contest.
Reece Walsh's replacement Hayze Perham stormed over in the 73rd minute to edge the Broncos in front, and last-gap try-saving tackles from Josiah Karapani and Xavier Willison helped the visitors hang on for the win.
It capped off a dazzling performance for Perham, who provided a lofting try assist to Grant Anderson in the first half and nailed five from six conversion attempts.
Brisbane (7-15) also avoided the dreaded wooden spoon, and victory will briefly quell questions on whether coach Michael Maguire should re-sign with the club following their implosion after winning last year's premiership.
"We've been through a bit of a period where they've had to really stick together," Maguire said of his players.
"To see the boys defend through a long period in that second half, that shows the team I know I've got."
The Raiders (10-13) were looking to exact a modicum of revenge after Brisbane claimed a pulsating 29-28 golden-point victory in last year's finals series.
But the home crowd were left disappointed again, despite Pattie's prolific performance (one try, one try assist, one 40/20, 37 tackles).
Canberra will be sweating on the fitness of Hosking, who limped off the field in the second half gripping his hamstring.
"I know how much effort they put into wanting to do it for Josh, but it's disappointing," coach Ricky Stuart said.
"Not to dampen the mood, but that's not good enough. When you get to that lead, we should be winning those games."
Despite Papali'i receiving an emotional guard of honour before the match, Brisbane drew first blood when hooker Billy Walters scurried over.
The Raiders responded through fullback Kaeo Weekes and forward Ata Mariota, before Carrigan was binned for a high tackle on Corey Horsburgh.
Brisbane thrived despite the numerical disadvantage, with under-fire five-eighth Ezra Mam and winger Anderson both storming over to help the visitors snatch the lead.
Weekes grabbed his second on the stroke of halftime, before Pattie and Hosking scored, but representative prop Payne Haas, Anderson and Perham surged over to steal the victory.
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