NRL star commits future to rugby league following failed cross-code Top League stint

A year after a deal with Japanese rugby threatened to end his time with Canberra, Jordan Rapana has signed a new one-year NRL contract with the club.

The 31-year-old has agreed to terms with the Raiders for 2021, saying he has unfinished business.

Shortly after the 2019 grand final loss to Sydney Roosters, Rapana took up a deal to play rugby union in Japan, but his stint was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

The popular winger rejoined Canberra on a short-term contract and played 19 games this year, but will now get another chance at an NRL title with the Raiders next season.

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It’s been a drawn out process, but Rapana said he’s relieved his future is secured.

“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,” Rapana 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.”

Rapana has played 132 games for the Raiders since he joined the club in 2014.

He becomes the latest NRL player without a contract to shore up his future.

Cameron Smith, Nathan Peats, Elijah Taylor, Danny Levi and Tim Lafai are all off-contract and are yet to announce their plans for 2021.