In top form, Jordan Rapana is defying his years. Photo: Canberra Raiders.
Earlier this year while commentating a Raiders home game, I casually mentioned that this season would be the last in Canberra for Jordan Rapana.
The comment elicited a furious response from fans via text, so much so that I started to doubt whether my interpretation of his future at the Raiders was correct.
As I delved into the matter further, it became increasingly obvious that it was far more complex.
Players at 35 years of age, such as Rapana, have withstood years of body-bashing through high-impact collisions week-in-week- out. By this age, most players are well and truly beyond their best at the NRL level.
My understanding is that was the way things were playing out at the Raiders, with anticipation that he would be heading overseas at the end of the year to finish his career in the UK Super League.
But through the season, Rapana has lifted his performance to another level.
Jordan Rapana has been part of the Canberra Raiders for 11 seasons. Photo: Canberra Raiders.
His ability to lift his teammates has never been more evident than in the 26-25 win over the Dolphins in June when Rapana kicked a field goal to send the game into golden point.
He then kicked a field goal in golden point extra time to secure a memorable victory.
But as he pointed out in the post-game media conference, he did a few things that almost cost his side victory.
And that is Jordan Rapana to a tee: he can win or lose games through his competitive instinct. At times, there appears to be no plan.
Another telling moment this season was in the game against Manly when the Raiders were leading while he was on the field, only to capitulate when he went off with injury.
At times this season, it appeared as though Rapana could seemingly play forever, and he was keen to extend his stay in Canberra for as long as possible.
Rapana gives his all with every Raiders game. Celebrating with teammates during a game against the Tigers at GIO Stadium. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
And with every performance inspired by a Rapana special play, there was growing pressure from supporters for the club to offer him an extended contract.
There was an impasse with the Raiders initially preparing to farewell the veteran this season before eventually offering him a one-year deal.
He believed his form warranted a two-year contract. The Raiders, though, with the likes of Kaeo Weekes, Chevy Stewart and plenty of youth coming through, were looking to the future, and a one-year deal was the maximum.
In the end, Rapana has opted for a two-year deal with Hull FC in the UK Super League, thus ending an 11-season stint with the Raiders.
He will leave with the legacy of providing the younger players with a template for a never-say-die attitude and performance and a competitive spirit at a level that must have both inspired and terrified his teammates and coach.
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