The Canberra Raiders have today announced that Jordan Rapana has re-signed with the club for the 2015 season.
Rapana has been in outstanding for Souths Logan in the Intrust Super Cup this season, where he has been one of the best for the Magpies and he gets his chance to make his debut for the Raiders this weekend at NRL level against the Eels in Darwin.
Rapana said the opportunity to return to the NRL this weekend is something he’s been looking forward to and said he’s prepared to work harder than ever to ensure he can make it a success.
“I’m obviously very excited about having the opportunity to play this weekend, but also very excited to have signed with the Raiders for another year,” Rapana said. “Ricky has shown some faith in me and I want to repay that by working really hard and making sure I continue to get better each week.”
Rapana has been a revelation for Souths Logan since moving to fullback and said the positional change has helped his game and made him hungry for future success.
“I’ve been playing for Souths Logan all year and have played a few positions, but I feel like since I’ve moved to fullback I’ve been able to take my game to another level,” he said. “The fullback role is one that is open at the Raiders next year and I’ve now got a chance to put my hand up for it.”
After making his debut in 2008 Rapana has not seen any NRL action after leaving the game for a two year Mormon mission and a stint in Rugby Union, but he said he’s found his focus again and is now preparing to make a successful return to the NRL.
“It’s been a while for sure, I’ve been on a Mormon mission and played Rugby as well, but I feel truly blessed to be back in the NRL," he said. “It’s up to me now to work hard and try and step up to the next level and perform well for the Raiders.”
Raiders CEO Don Furner said Rapana’s form for Souths Logan was the decisive factor in re-signing him for another season and said only second tier salary cap pressure prevented him from making his Raiders debut earlier in the season.
“Jordan has been in great form for Souths Logan this year and has been one of the best players not only for the Magpies but in that competition,” Furner said. “He would have had an opportunity earlier this year if we hadn’t reached the ceiling of our second tier salary cap, but he gets an opportunity this weekend to make his Raiders debut due to our current injury situation.
“We look forward to having Jordan at the club for another season and hope he can continue his strong form this season and push for a regular first grade position next year.”
