Raiders set to offer Tapine long-term extension

Canberra are keen to extent the contract of second-rower Joe Tapine, before he becomes available to other clubs on November 1.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Raiders want to keep Tapine around for another four years, with a deal set to be announced next week that will see the 24-year-old sign on until the end of the 2023 season.

The Kiwi international had an impressive 2018 campaign in a breakout year, and finished equal-second in the Mal Meninga Medal behind Josh Papalii despite playing just 16 games.

Tapine has been named in New Zealand's squad to face the Kangaroos next Saturday at Mount Smart Stadium, but will need to prove his fitness to coach Michael Maguire after recently overcoming a thumb injury.

Canberra are also interested in extending Jordan Rapana's contract, who comes out on contract at the end of the 2019 season like his fellow Kiwi international.