Former NRL excitement machine hangs up the boots

Tom Naghten

Former NRL excitement machine hangs up the boots image

Jordan Rapana has announced his retirement from professional rugby league, with the Kiwi to finish up at the end of the 2025 Super League season.

Currently plying his trade with seventh-placed Hull FC in England, the 36-year-old will be hoping to extend his career with some finals football.

Previously, Rapana chalked up 219 NRL games, the vast majority during an 11-year stint with the Raiders in which he crossed for 106 tries and became a fan favourite for his all-action style of football.

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"I’ve played my whole career being really competitive and that has taken its toll on my body," Rapana said in a statement via Hull FC.

"My body just can’t compete like it used to be able to.

"As sad as it is, I know that it’s opening up another opportunity for somebody else to come in and take my place. And making that decision is a year too early rather than a year too late – I’m happy that it’s on my terms."

Rapana will finish his career under the coaching of John Cartwright, the same man who gave him his first-grade debut back in 2008 with the Titans.

"I look back on my career with a lot of pride and I’m grateful for the opportunity to come over to England and spend my final year with this great club, where I’ve been fortunate enough to make some friends for life," he added.

Cartwright paid tribute to the former New Zealand international following his announcement.

"Jordan has given us everything that we signed him for, and been a great figure for us on and off the field, particularly for our young players," the veteran coach said.

"He’s a hugely popular member of the group, and as selfless a player as you’ll ever come across.

"He’s given everything he physically can to this club this year, and he’s really going to be missed; we want to send him out having gone as far as we possibly can in the competition.

"He’s been a tremendous asset for me having a leader like him in our squad."

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.