Canberra Raiders switch focus to re-signing Nick Cotric now Jordan Rapana locked in

The only problem? No one knows what the 2021 NRL salary cap will look like.

A qualified accountant, Raiders chief executive Don Furner wants to know the numbers before looking to lock in Cotric.

The Canberra product is one of a few Raiders off contract at the end of this coronavirus-affected season, along with veteran Sia Soliola.

Both have indicated they want to remain in the capital beyond this campaign. And the club wants to keep them.

The NRL had originally put all new contract registrations on hold during the pandemic, but they've now reopened them.

"They've opened the gateway, but the reality is we don't know what the salary cap is for next year," Furner said.

"We'll wait to see what that is and hopefully we'll know that soon because there's no use talking about money when we don't know we can spend.

"We don't have too many off contract anyway so that's a good position to be in."

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The Raiders announced Rapana had signed a short-term deal for the remainder of 2020 on Thursday.

He'd been linked with a return to the club since he was forced out of the Green Machine due to salary cap pressure following the 2019 NRL grand final.

The 30-year-old has only missed two games after a brief stint with Panasonic Wild Knights in Japanese rugby union.

The coronavirus pandemic brought Japan's Top League to an abrupt halt and he's been back in Canberra since March.

He'll provide invaluable depth in the backline, having scored 69 tries in his 113 NRL games for the Raiders.

Fellow Raiders winger Michael Oldfield started the 2020 season as the utility on the Green Machine bench, with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart opting for Bailey Simonsson and Nick Cotric on the wings.

Rapana's arrival could force him out of the 17 and back to the dreaded role of 18^th man.

"It's good having 'Raps back'. He's a true character. He's one of those guys you've got to know him to understand. He's worth every cent," Oldfield said.

"It doesn't really change much for me. I've just got to do my thing and hopefully that plays out for myself personally.

"But at the same time if it's Raps playing in front of me at my expense that's just the way it's got to be. I just want what's best for the team and best for the club."