Veteran winger Jordan Rapana has penned a one-year extension at the Canberra Raiders, putting an end to months of negotiations between his manager and the club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The 31-year-old had initially been keen on a two-year extension in the capital, but has settled for a shorter deal just two weeks after his wife Kelsey gave birth to the couple's first child.
Rapana said he has "unfinished business" at the Raiders, and is determined to lift a premiership in the twilight of his NRL career which has produced 137 matches and 76 tries.
He had been linked to the Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm but was always keen to remain in the capital. His signature is an important one for the Raiders, after prolific winger Nick Cotric's departure to the Canterbury Bulldogs.
"I'm really happy to be staying in Canberra, I feel like I've got unfinished business here and I want to be part of a team that can win a grand final," the New Zealand international said.
"I love everything about the club and the boys we have here are a great bunch of blokes who I think can do something special.
"I'm looking forward to a full pre-season as well. The last couple of pre-seasons for me have been hard as I've had surgery or niggling injuries, but I feel really good and I can't wait to get back into it and be ready for the start of the season."
MORE RAIDERS NEWS
Rapana finished this year in the centres, and bravely battled a sternum injury during the club's surge to the preliminary final. Senior Raiders players are back at training next week.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
