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Jordan Rapana has played 214 games for Canberra Raiders and has been a regular this season [Getty Images]
Hull FC have signed Canberra Raiders back Jordan Rapana for the next two seasons.
The 35-year-old has won 16 New Zealand caps and has also represented the Cook Islands and New Zealand Maori during a 16-year career with Gold Coast Titans and the Raiders.
Rapana, who can play at centre or on the wing, has signed for the Airlie Birds until the end of the 2026 campaign.
Wellington-born Rapana is the 10th highest all-time appearance maker for Raiders, but his 10th and final season for the club came to a premature end after he fractured a cheekbone against Sydney Roosters at the start of this month.
He was named New Zealand’s rookie of the year in 2016, the Dally M winger of the year in 2017, and the Raiders player of the year in 2021.
Hull director of rugby Richie Myler said Rapana had been brought in for more than just his rugby talent, adding he is “the perfect role model” for the younger players in the squad.
“Jordan has been an incredible leadership figure for the Raiders, and we’re hoping he can bring some of those qualities to us in 2025 and become one of our own leaders,” Myler said.
Rapana said the appointment of Brisbane Broncos assistant John Cartwright as head coach at the MKM Stadium next season was an important factor in his decision to join.
“What was key for me was the fact that John Cartwright gave me my debut at the Titans, so him signing for Hull FC was a big tick in the box for me signing for the club,” he said.
“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, and I think that playing in Super League will be a challenge.
It’s a tough, physical league, but that’s what I build my game on, so I’m really keen to come over there and give it a crack.”
Rapana’s ten-year Canberra career came to an early end when he fractured his cheekbone playing against Sydney last week [Getty Images]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/hull-fc-sign-canberra-back-154446299.html
Author : BBC
Publish date : 2024-09-11 15:44:46
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