Jordan Rapana’s first words after joining Hull FC as key factor behind move explained

Hull FC have announced the capture of Canberra Raiders favourite Jordan Rapana ahead of the 2025 Super League season.

Rapana has penned a two-year deal with the Black and Whites, ensuring he will be with the club until the end of the 2026 campaign, with the outside back due to move over to Super League for the first time in the off-season.

The New Zealand international is no stranger to the city of Hull having represented his country at the MKM Stadium on a number of occasions and he’ll be keen to make an impact under incoming head coach John Cartwright, who he knows from his time at Gold Coast Titans.

He adds star power to a side that has been desperately short of experience in the backs this season. However, Rapana is also more than able to play at full-back and has done with the Raiders this season.

As such, his signing gives Cartwright options as he strives to make quick improvements to a Hull side that has won just three games all season.

Rapana has been with the Raiders since 2014, making 214 appearances and touching down for 106 tries. He’s featured in an NRL Grand Final, while he was also named Dally M Winger of the Year in 2017.

He’s one of the most recognisable faces in the NRL at this point then, but after turning down the offer of a new deal, the 35-year-old is looking forward to trying his hand at Super League.

“I’m really excited to get over there with the fans and I’m looking forward to getting coming over to start winning some games,” he told the club website. “What was key for me was the fact that John Cartwright gave me my debut at the Titans, so him signing for Hull FC was a big tick in the box for me signing for the club.

“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, and I think that playing in Super League will be a challenge. It’s a tough, physical league, but that’s what I build my game on, so I’m really keen to come over there and give it a crack.”

He added: “I know the city pretty well because I’ve stayed there with the Kiwis a couple of times before.

“I’d say of all of the cities in England, it’s probably the one where rugby league dominates the most. The people from Hull – they live, breathe and sleep rugby league!

“I know that historically, Hull FC are a strong rugby league club. They’ve got an awesome fan base, so I’m looking forward to it.”