'A dream to coach' Jordan Rapana qualities laid out as new Hull FC signing ready to raise standards

New Hull FC signing Jordan Rapana.
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Simon Grix has highlighted the competitive and leadership traits of Jordan Rapana as the biggest things that he'll bring to Hull FC next season. The Black and Whites have confirmed the signing of Rapana on a two-year deal from 2025, as previously reported by Hull Live.

Rapana is understood to be a marquee signing, and one that will bring marquee traits to Hull FC as they hope to add the necessary grit and resilience to their squad next year. The 35-year-old is tipped to be a leading presence of that culture change, with Grix focusing on his form for NRL outfit Canberra Raiders and not his age, with the 35-year-old expected to also add some significant quality in terms of ability to the Hull side.

On that front, Rapana has starred at both full-back and wing for the Raiders this year. He has over 210 appearances to his name and has scored 111 tries for the club. Before that, Rapana debuted under incoming head coach John Cartwright at Gold Coast Titans in 2008, scoring five tries in five games before a brief spell in rugby union.

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Since then, he has starred in rugby league, playing on the international stage for New Zealand and the Cook Islands. He is also a component goal kicker, with Grix full of praise for the club's new full-back signing, Hull's seventh for next year, with two more players in Aidan Sezer and Cade Cust still to be confirmed.

"It's a big one," Grix said. "Age will be the focus, but I think most of us rugby league fans watch the NRL, and he’s still one of the best every week for Canberra. Having spoken to John, it’s not only his personal output, which is a real benefit to us, but the person, the character, and the effect that he'll have on our group.

"He is a competitor; he competes hard for everything and demands a lot from those around him. Hopefully, that will rub off on the group. And for young lads such as Logan Moy, having someone so experienced come in can only be a benefit."

Grix continued: "Jordan had suitors. Canberra wanted him to stay there; he had Super League clubs come in for him too, but I think a past relationship with John has got him over the line. John coached him at Gold Coast and John knows what he can do. He's well-aware of his abilities and he's obviously pressed on with Richie (Myler) to get it done.

"He’s a good signing for us and he's got plenty still to offer. Although the focus will lay around his age, the premier comp is the NRL, and he's still, as I say, one of the best each time I've watched him. I don't feel like we have to worry about that number as such. We're looking forward to getting him out there, and hopefully he can drag everyone else up and contribute to a positive future."

Expected to raise club standards, Grix, along with the playing squad, is also anticipating learning from Rapana next year, with the current interim coach moving back into an assistant role ahead of pre-season.

"We'll all learn plenty off him," Grix added. "He's had some great coaches in his time and played in a very good competition. I'm sure we’ll all pick bits up off him. For coaches, those competitors are a dream to coach.

"They want to get better, and they want to drag everyone else up to a certain level, which is something that we've lacked. Some of that is through the inexperience in our group and the amount of change, but someone getting hold of other people and dragging them along and setting standards is important for this group. I think he'll play a key role in that."

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