Raiders confirm extend of Rapana’s injury

Canberra have confirmed Jordan Rapana will miss the first half of 2019 due to shoulder surgery.

The Raiders' winger dislocated his shoulder playing for New Zealand in the second Test against England last week, leaving Anfield with his right arm in a sling after the Kiwi's 14-20 loss.

Rapana's surgery will see him sidelined until late May of next year, with his earliest possible return for the Raiders in Round 11 of the 2019 season.

The injury of the star winger is a huge blow for the Raiders, who are also contending with the loss of Ata Hingano, also to a shoulder injury.

Hingano is expected to return from Round 6 to 8 next year, while captain Jarrod Croker is on target for a Round 1 return from his knee reconstruction.