Confirmation of Steve Rapira's signing.
Rapira to return to Warriors
Posted 8 hours 34 minutes ago
After three straight losses the Warriors have finally received a boost, with back-rower Steve Rapira signing a two-year deal to rejoin the NRL club after two seasons with North Queensland.
Rapira, the brother of Warriors prop Sam, was himself a junior of the Auckland-based side before seeing an opportunity to break into the top grade with the Cowboys.
But the homesick 21-year-old has signed a two-year contract with an option for the 2013 season to bring him back to New Zealand.
After playing for the Warriors in their debut season in the under-20s in 2008, Rapira will add some much needed skill and strength to the Warriors' forward pack.
"I've been able to break into the NRL with the Cowboys and I've learnt a lot from my time here but, for me, it's time to come home," he said from Townsville.
"The club I always wanted to play for right from the start was the Warriors and that's still the same.
"It's where I want to be.
"It'll be good to be back around family and friends and to have the chance to play alongside Sam again.
"But I owe the Cowboys a lot for the opportunity they've given me and my focus is on doing the best I can for them for the rest of this season."
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said Rapira's signing was a real coup for the club.
"It's great to know Steve is coming back home," he said.
"We've always liked what he has to offer.
"He's an aggressive defender and provides real value with the ball as well."
Rapira made his NRL debut for the Cowboys against Gold Coast in April last year, going on to make 16 appearances in all and winning the club's rookie of the year award.
- AAP
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/01/2887906.htm?site=news
