New Zealand international Jordan Rapana is set to return to the Raiders' side for the first time in three weeks as they take on the Wests Tigers on Friday evening at Parramatta Stadium. Canberra will welcome him back with open arms, and are prepared to begin contract discussions with the 29-year-old.
The exciting winger is off-contract at season's end, but Canberra is keen to lock him away for years to come. An injury interrupted year to date, Rapana has suffered from shoulder reconstruction, a rib injury and most recently concerns with his knee.
With the Samoan-born Joey Leilua (neck) facing a lengthy stint on the sideline, Rapana will be keen to show Raiders fans what he and youngster Nick Cotric can provide along that wing-centre position.
There were nervous fans throughout Canberra last night when young Cotric clutched at his knee in the State of Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium, luckily enough he got back up and should be fine to run out alongside Rapana this Friday.
Heading into round 13, the Raiders have made five changes including Rapana. Raiders prop Sia Soliola had this to say about the changes.
"The only difference is the faces really. But the standards and the qualities that we set ... that never changes," he said.
"You've still got to rock up with the same attitude and we have our policies and processes that we have within our group and they're the demands that we set."
Friday night marks the first game at the redeveloped Parramatta Stadium for the team in lime green, however, the Tigers have unfortunate memories there already after they were thumped by Parramatta back in round 6.
The new-look stadium has received warm reviews, and Raiders halfback Sam Williams is eager to run out.
"It will be exciting to play there. It looks like a world-class facility," said Williams.
"All the teams that have played there so far have really enjoyed it.
"It's always exciting playing a new venue, but once you get out there you're just focused on the footy."
The Raiders currently own fifth position on the NRL ladder, and will be looking to put a marginal gap between themselves and the Tigers with a big win.
Soliola stated that his side is pleased with their efforts, but there aim is to be even higher.
"I'm okay with where we're at, definitely not comfortable," he said.
"I'd like to be in the top two, but the level of growth we still have within the squad - there's a lot there.
"Considering we've had a few changes within the squad I'm definitely happy with where I thought we were going to be at the start of the year.
"It's worked a treat this year and everyone's fitted in quite well."
