Jordan Rapana, a back with the Canberra Raiders, has signed a two-year contract with Hull FC.
During his 16-year career with the Gold Coast Titans and the Raiders, the 35-year-old has represented the Cook Islands and New Zealand Maori in addition to winning 16 caps for his own country.
Rapana, who is a versatile player who can play both center and wing, has committed to the Airlie Birds through the 2026 season.
Rapana, who was born in Wellington, is the Raiders’ 10th-highest appearance maker all time. However, his 10th and last season with the team ended early after he suffered a cheekbone fracture against the Sydney Roosters earlier this month.
He won the Dally M winger of the year award in 2016 and the New Zealand rookie of the year award in 2017 and the Raiders player of the year in 2021.
Richie Myler, the director of rugby at Hull, stated that Rapana was selected for more reasons than just his rugby prowess, calling him “the ideal role model” for the team’s younger members.
“We’re hoping that in 2025, Jordan, who has shown amazing leadership for the Raiders, can bring some of those qualities to us and establish himself as one of our own leaders,” Myler stated.
An key element in Rapana’s decision to join was the announcement that assistant coach John Cartwright of the Brisbane Broncos will be the head coach at MKM Stadium the following season.
“The fact that John Cartwright made my Titans debut was crucial to me, so his joining Hull FC was a major check off the list.”
“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.”
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