Waiting in the wings but bench utility option looms for Rapana

Don't expect to see Jordan Rapana slip straight back to the Raiders right wing, once the NRL is up and running again.

The 30-year-old may well occupy that position again since he scored most of his 69 tries for Canberra there.

But on his return to the Raiders after a short, disjointed rugby union career in Japan, he floated the idea of playing in the back row since he's put on a little weight by not playing any football since "four or five games" in January.

His experience in the backs and his size as a possible forward makes Rapana a tantalising bench utility prospect.

Rapana knows wingers Bailey Simonsson and Nick Cotric are doing fine just where they are – helping Ricky Stuart's men to two wins from the opening two rounds.

Stuart is keeping his cards close to his chest. Rapana has also played fullback and centre during his six seasons with the Raiders.

Jarrod Croker and Curtis Scott don't seem under any threat and neither does No.1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

"That all works itself out. And I say that because I don't know what I'll have in terms of injuries and form once we get around to playing again," Stuart told NRL.com.

"But there's nothing better than having competition with players fighting for positions.

"The fortunate thing with Jordan is that he's got ability in a number of positions."

It's little surprise to learn Rapana and Stuart have already chatted about where he could fit in.

"For me I have a couple of options as I've played multiple games throughout my career. I've spoken to Ricky and we've sat down and talked about how I'm there to cover wherever I'm needed," Rapana said.

"I've come back a bit heavier from union so I'm sure I could cover the forwards if I was put there too.

"I'll just put my head down and work hard and wherever I'm needed I'll play."

Where he plays, and how well, could determine a lot more than the Raiders position on the NRL ladder.

Rapana is searching for another contract since he only signed until the end of 2020 having landed back in the ACT after the NRL was put into lockdown.

"You've got to earn those contracts and play consistently at a top level," he said.

"That's one of the reasons but I'm also not sure what the NRL salary cap will be over the next few years. So that comes into play as well as how my body holds up.

"So all those things. For me I'm only on a one-year deal so I've got to prove myself this year."

After two stints in rugby union, Rapana has come to the realisation rugby league is where he wants to stay.

"It's awesome to be back – especially to the NRL but it’s also awesome to come back to the Raiders. That's obviously even more special," he said.

"I haven't had the best strike rate in the rugby union scene but it probably opened my eyes up a bit more how much I really enjoy rugby league and how league is the sport for me.

"I've definitely missed it. I'm just glad I'm back here – Canberra has become my home away from home and I'd love to stay here the rest of my career.

"I'm not top sure what the future holds but if I had my way I’d love to stay in league, that's for sure."