Rapira to be released?

[Mixmasterreece]

Reported in Rugby League Week today that Sam Rapira has some possible suitors in the UK and that the club will consider letting him go mid-season. Best idea for all parties.....

 

[SilentOne]

yep I think so.

Injuries have really hurt him over the years.

 

[WellsNZ]

Was a great soldier for the Warriors at one point, but yeah I wouldn't have a problem with cutting the cord at this point.

Best of luck to him if he does go to the UK.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

Leaves us thin in the props department, Lisone and Vete were good but I wouldn't give them 24 games in the top grade, they are young and still developing

 

[Diesel]

It's been coming for a while and the SL may give him a few more seasons

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

I'm in two minds about this.
Perhaps if we had just one more seasoned FGer then I'd feel more comfortable.
However, out of the 24 NRL rounds (after the byes), how many of those is big Sam not going to be injured for? Out of those he isn't injured for, how many will he be on his game, match fit and playing well?

The more I think about it, the more comfortable I feel about the situation.

 

[Fufu Andronez]

Unless we are gaining a player this year as a direct result of this, there is no need to release him early IMO, could be a required player later on in the season

 

[Meth]

Meh

One time, heralded among the best props in the world. Injuries really got the better of him. Showed some glimpses of his best last year, but is definitely past his use by date, and the young blokes coming through, under Matulino and Lillyman, look like they could be the goods.

Thanks Sam.

 

[vvvrulz]

Where is he at this year?

Would love to see him give us one more year if he can find full fitness.
Don't see Matulino as a mentor at all.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

I believe he is injured (again)

Sammy is out of contract come seasons end anyway. I would think he'd go over to ESL (At a guess).

 

[Meth]

Don't see Matulino as a mentor at all.

True.

Big step up required from him

 

[Big Marn]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league...-warriors-to-play-in-the-super-league-in-2016

Warriors prop Sam Rapira will leave the club at the end of the season when his current contract runs out.
The 27-year-old, who has played 169 games for the club and made his debut against Wests Tigers in 2006, will switch hemispheres and play in the Super League in 2016.
Rapira informed his team-mates on Wednesday morning that he would be heading overseas to play in England.
"It was tough to tell the boys, but I know it's time for me to move on," Rapira said.
"The Warriors club has been a massive part of my life. I am very grateful to my family and all my supporters.
"It was a hard decision, but I'm pleased to have the next stage of my career sorted."
Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden lauded Rapira's contribution on all levels.
"Sam is a terrific person and a fantastic team man who encompasses all the values we seek in our players," he said.
"He stands out as one of our leaders, a steadying influence and a rock-solid performer who never gives less than everything he has when he plays for the club.
"It's a tough day for everyone here and especially his team-mates. We all want this last year to be the best it can be for Sam. He certainly deserves it after the effort he has put in."


While the Hamilton born front rower is yet to make his first NRL appearance this season due to a hamstring injury, Rapira is set to become only the seventh Warrior to play in 10 NRL seasons for the club.
While the World Cup win and playing in the 2011 grand final rank among the best moments in his career, playing in the NRL alongside younger brother Steve was also a special highlight; it happened twice against Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters in 2013.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

Yep, not surprised by this.
Given Lisone and Vetes performances the last couple of rounds, I think Sam may find it hard to break back into the team (barring injury/suspension)

 

[JJ]

Yep, not surprised by this.
Given Lisone and Vetes performances the last couple of rounds, I think Sam may find it hard to break back into the team (barring injury/suspension)

Reverse for me - he'll be back in first grade at some stage I reckon - whether because of injury or one of the rookies hitting the wall - which I think is likely, not any judgment on their quality, just the intensity of the comp

Certainly he's not the player he was (I am not in the camp that thinks he was ever one of the world's best) but he can do a job if fit

 

[Meth]

Thanks Sam.

 

[lafai]

Matulino and Lillyman are great props. the young blokes off the bench have been in form so i dont see rapira getting a run anytime soon.

 

[MKEB...]

Thanks for the service. Though, I tended to forget he was playing for us after a while.

 

[Glen from the Mount]

Showed so much promise when he was younger but injury after injury prevented him from achieving his full potential. Just hope he has a good run over in England and can stay injury free.

 

[Rich102]

Play it again Sam.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

Its a measure of the man really
No dragging it out in the media or keeping everyone guessing about his future. Just says he wont be here next season so their is no distraction to the team
Class act