https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...m/news-story/d63b48ea8c95238d7c192afdafc9934f
Josh Addo-Carr Wests Tigers move: Jordan Rapana emerges as key figure for Melbourne Storm
Jordan Rapana has become caught up in a bizarre tug of war that could make or break the Wests Tigers’ bid to sign Melbourne Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr.
James Phelps, The Daily Telegraph
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September 23, 2020 4:19pm
Wests Tigers will turn their attention to signing Canberra winger Jordan Rapana should the Melbourne Storm refuse to release Josh Addo-Carr at season’s end.
Although Addo-Carr is their No.1 recruitment target, News Corp Australia can reveal the Tigers have already made inquiries about off-contract Raider Rapana, who
rejoined Canberra this year after the COVID-19 pandemic cut short his move to Japanese rugby.
If the Tigers’ bid to sign Addo-Carr falls through, they will look to reunite Rapana with former Raiders teammate Joey Leilua in the Wests backline.
But, in a further twist, Rapana could inadvertently help the Tigers land Addo-Carr.
The Storm are also considering signing the 31-year-old as a replacement for Addo-Carr, that could sway them to granting the “Fox” a release to join the Tigers.
Having told club legend
Benji Marshall he is not wanted beyond this year, the Tigers have embarked on an recruitment drive, signing Penrith captain
James Tamou to a two-year deal from next season.
He will join impressive Parramatta rookie
Stefano Utoikamanu, who inked a three-year $800,000 deal to switch clubs.
2021 shapes as a crucial year for the Tigers, and coach Michael Maguire says he will not stop challenging his players despite claims he’s too tough.
After missing the finals for the ninth straight season, Maguire made no excuses for expecting his team to be more like Melbourne and Canberra.
“I have a playing group that is hungry to do it,” Maguire said.
“I have high expectations of my players because I believe in them. We are all striving to get to the top and need to work hard to get there. I have great people with expertise in both my playing group and on my staff and we are not looking for excuses.”