Mal Meninga comparison made as Canberra Raiders players say the same thing about Hull FC recruit Jordan Rapana

Hull FC fans are waiting in excitement to see Jordan Rapana pull on a black and white jersey for the first time.

The Black and Whites beat off competition from Leeds Rhinos to land the former New Zealand international and the hope is that he can spearhead the club’s revival under John Cartwright in 2025. Rapana is expected to play at full-back for Hull and he has been given the number one shirt to indicate that.

As such, Hull FC supporters can expect to see Rapana involved in play on a regular basis as he strives to make an impact in Super League. The 35-year-old has over 200 NRL appearances under his belt and with 111 tries to show for his efforts, Canberra Raiders were keen to see him stay on for another year in the NRL.

Rapana established himself as something of a club legend in the 11 seasons he spent with the Raiders and his former teammates and coaches have been speaking out about the veteran’s personality and the desire to win that has shaped his career.

In a feature with The Fan on Fox League, Ricky Stuart, Jamal Fogarty, Hudson Young and Josh Papalii all opened up about the Hull FC recruit and outlined what fans can expect to see from him in the new year.

Ricky Stuart: “He’s just a guy you can’t not like. If there’s a shortcut to be taken he’ll take it but he’s one of the most competitive footballers I’ve coached. Once he gets over the line on game day he’s such a competitor.

“In a recent interview I explained the impact Mal Meninga had on players, Raps is very similar. He’s a loyal person and we’ll be friends for a long time after I finish coaching him.”

Jamal Fogarty: “He’s just so unique, I don’t think there’s many words that could describe Jordy. For example if you were you to come in on a morning with a bacon and egg burger, that’s your breakfast. He’ll say, ‘hey bro’, and come over and have a bite out of it straight away and walk off.

“He’s probably the most loving and caring person and he’s definitely the biggest competitor on a football field that I’ve played with. His body is bashed at times but the stuff that he gets through as a winger and some of the tries that he scores and efforts. He comes last in conditioning but as soon as you play a game of football he’ll be the last person chasing someone down.”

Josh Papalii: “Jordan is just Jordan. He doesn’t really do much extras on field. He’s the first person off the field and he’s always getting told to not be late, pick up his towel. That’s what makes Jordan unique, he’s someone that doesn’t put much time into his footy but he’s still a gun, he’s just the ultimate competitor and he’s always down for the team and that’s what makes Jordan special.”

Hudson Young: “He’s very different to the guy you see on the footy field. He’s the most kicked back guy I’ve ever seen and he’s just a genetic freak. He doesn’t have to do any training or any weights and he still goes out and carves it up.

“He’s probably the most competitive player that I’ve ever played with or against.”