Papali'i will look to help the Tigers to a third-straight win for the first time since 2018 when they take on South Sydney this weekend.
But 12 months on from announcing his departure from the Eels, the New Zealand international is still grilled by supporters over his decision to join the struggling Tigers.
"I still get it now, it's just fans and I guess everyone's got their biased opinions," Papali'i said.
"I think I have got to prove to all the doubters out there that coming here was the right move.
"I feel like we're heading on the right track.
"I think I knew coming into a new environment, I was ready to step out of my comfort zone.
"That comes with the pressure of people leaning on you and looking to you in certain moments."
Papali'i earned a reputation as a rampaging back-rower under Brad Arthur's guidance at Parramatta.
But this year he has yet to register a single linebreak across eight games.
"I feel I'm getting better each week, I was trying to get my fitness back in the first few weeks," he said.
"I have had to simplify my job and I feel that in the last couple of games I've been more effective in my role."
After knocking off Penrith and fellow strugglers St George Illawarra in recent weeks, Papali'i said the prospect of upsetting second-placed Souths held no fear for the Tigers.
"They are the hunted and we are the hunters," Papali'i said.
"We are at the bottom but we're on our way up.
"There's no better challenge than going up against the form team in the comp and I think all the boys are really excited."
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