Five Key Stats
Matches | 27
Tries | 23
Running Metres | 3,958
Line Breaks | 26
Tackle Breaks | 138
Best Match of the Season
Round 8 | Raiders 60 defeated Wests Tigers 6
Rapana was destructive in the Raiders 54 point shellacking of the Wests Tigers in Round 8. Combining brilliantly with his partner in crime, Joey Leilua, throughout the match, Rapana scored four tries and ran for a huge 191 metres.
Summary
At the start of the year Jordan Rapana was fighting to cement a spot for himself on the Raiders wing. By the end of the year, Rapana was one of the Raiders most important and influential players.
In his third season with the Raiders, Rapana played in every game and broke the Raiders all-time tries scored in a season record, tallying 23 four-pointers. Watch every single try in the video above.
The Auckland Nines showed off Rapana's early season form, with the Raiders flying winger scoring several brilliant tries. The showing helped secure Rapana a wing spot over Sisa Waqa.
An early season suspension to Joey Leilua delayed the start of the 'Leipana' partnership, but once they were reunited they quickly became one of the NRL's most dangerous pairings.
It was in Round 8 against the Tigers that Rapana and Leilua announced themselves to the NRL world, combining for six tries and terrorising the Tigers defence all night long.
The match was the beginning of a hot streak of form for Rapana, which would carry for the rest of the season. The Raiders would often turn to him when they needed a spark. This could on attacking raids, and also plenty of times when the Raiders needed a boost working up the field.
Coach Ricky often singled out Rapana for his attitude and energy on the field. Apart from his attacking prowess, Rapana also developed his defence to an extremely high standard.
Rapana was rewarded for his stunning season with selection in the Kiwis team for the Four Nations, and he hasn't disappointed so far, scoring three tries in the Kiwis past two matches.
Despite finishing the year equal first for tries, first for line breaks and second for tackle busts, Rapana was pipped by Penrith Panthers winger Josh Mansour for the Winger of the Year at the Dally M awards.
