Set to play his 250th NRL game, Raiders captain Joe Tapine had the opportunity to hand a young front-rower his debut jumper as the two rampaging forwards will run out for their own milestone matches against the Eels on Saturday night.
Standing at 194cm, Vena Patuki-Case will come off the bench and play alongside Tapine in a dream come true for the front-row pair. Tapine spoke of his nerves prior to delivering Vena the news and his excitement for the young gun to step into the squad.
“I was pretty nervous. Watching Vena in the preseason and what he’s done coming back from injuries. I know he’ll have a big impact, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action in the NRL.”
Joseph Tapine will reach one of rugby league’s great milestones this Saturday night, running out for his 250th NRL game. The captain of the Green Machine has set an example of over a decade of resilience, leadership and elite performance.
Tapine signed with the Newcastle Knights in 2013 as an 18-year-old, making the big move from Wellington, New Zealand, to pursue his NRL career.
The following year, he made his NRL debut for the Knights as a tall-rangy forward with a ton of promise. Tapine remembered his debut 13 years ago as a ‘blur’ but his family on the sidelines after the match was what stuck out.
“I remember getting on the field, and I only played about 15-20 minutes. But it was the family that I remember more, being there to celebrate with me.”
Tapine was granted an immediate release to the Canberra Raiders, where he would sign a four-year deal before playing his old club in his very game in the new colours.
Since his debut for the Green Machine, Tapine has been a one-club player. 11 years with the Raiders and the star prop is now captain of the squad and gearing up to play his 250th game in the NRL.
Tapine’s list of achievements are endless, most recently becoming the first player in the club’s history to win four consecutive Meninga Medals as Club Player of the Year.
Following his opening season for the Raiders, Tapine was named in the Kiwis’ Four Nations squad where he debuted off the bench, before being selected for New Zealand's World Cup squad in a starting position. Tapine continues to line up for the New Zealand side and represent his country at every opportunity.
Fast-forward to 2025, Joseph Tapine was named as captain in his tenth year and led the Raiders to their first Minor-premiership since 1990. The forward is grateful for the opportunity the Raiders have given him and plans to remain at the club for the remainder of his career.
“I’m happy where I am and happy I'm down here at the club. They gave me the opportunity to play this many games.”
“I’ve obviously got a couple more years in me, and I’m trying to play as many games for this club as I can.”
Going into this week’s game against the Eels, Tapine’s priority is bringing home a much-needed win. The focus will be on playing tough and implementing their old brand of footy to overpower the Parramatta side.
“We’ve done a lot of defensive work this week. Even on days we were supposed to be a bit light, we got stuck in.”
