Jordan Rapana’s experience could be ‘priceless’ as Hull FC look to progress and bounce back from this season. That’s the belief of Carlos Tuimavave following the club’s announcement that they have signed the Canberra Raiders man on a two-year deal.
Unfortunately Tuimavave won’t have the pleasure of playing with Rapana with the centre’s exit at the end of the season being confirmed this week after spending nine seasons with the Black and Whites.
However, Tuimavave is leaving on good terms and having spent so long at one club, it’s fair to say he’ll be keeping a keen eye on its fortunes next season. He’ll have been taking an interest in the club’s recruitment for next season, then, and he’s tipping Rapana and the likes of John Asiata to bring the leadership and experience FC have been in desperate need of.
“I haven’t come across him personally but I have played against him and from watching him play NRL, he’s the ultimate competitor,” Tuimavave said, when asked by Serious About Rugby League about the latest Hull FC recruit.
“For him to be still doing what he’s doing now at his age is enormous, not many people can do that at that age. For him to come over here, bring those experiences and share them with the younger lads like I mentioned, and his competitiveness, is huge.
“I think that’s probably one of the key areas we’ve been missing. He’ll be huge for these kids and the experiences he can pass on to them from throughout his career will be priceless.”
He added: “You look at the disruption we’ve had this year, I don’t think it’s ever happened at any club. There’s only one way for this club and with players like John Asiata and Jordan Rapana coming in, they’re two very good players and good leaders that the club are missing at the moment.
“Hopefully they can come in and definitely help these young kids and bring some success to this club like it deserves.”
