Rapira to be released?

[Iafeta]

2-3 years of real class from Sam, the last 2-3 years unfortunately injuries and lack of size have tormented him. He's essentially gone from cornerstone prop for us, and a regular Kiwis international, to a bloke that isn't within a million miles of the Kiwis and at the moment he'll be joining Gubb and Matagi and Lousi in propping up the NSW Cup team. I agree with JJ, he will get footy time this year given there will be injuries and this will be an arduous season for Sam Lisone and Albert Vete to consistently be up for.

All the best Sam, a valiant servant of the club, and as far as I know, never a douche off the field or in the media. Good clubman by all accounts.

 

[Iafeta]

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

Agree, and he breaks the news to his team mates first and foremost, so if other blokes are thinking of taking off instead they can think about applying themselves for his spot long term.

 

[JJ]

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

Agreed, he's by no means the only one like that, but seems a good character guy, and we should acknowledge that - given the number of dickheads about

 

[Warrior@Heart]

Anyone know which team he's going to? My guess would be Salford.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

2-3 years of real class from Sam, the last 2-3 years unfortunately injuries and lack of size have tormented him. He's essentially gone from cornerstone prop for us, and a regular Kiwis international, to a bloke that isn't within a million miles of the Kiwis and at the moment he'll be joining Gubb and Matagi and Lousi in propping up the NSW Cup team. I agree with JJ, he will get footy time this year given there will be injuries and this will be an arduous season for Sam Lisone and Albert Vete to consistently be up for.

All the best Sam, a valiant servant of the club, and as far as I know, never a douche off the field or in the media. Good clubman by all accounts.

Well put man thanks Sam.

Agree, and he breaks the news to his team mates first and foremost, so if other blokes are thinking of taking off instead they can think about applying themselves for his spot long term.

This is pure class from a guy willing to give our future some security

Agreed, he's by no means the only one like that, but seems a good character guy, and we should acknowledge that - given the number of dickheads about

Yup those dickheads keep getting chance after chance and clog our news with B.S. Glad Rapira was class through his whole career

Anyone know which team he's going to? My guess would be Salford.

Anywhere where he can get a good pay to support his family and future endevours

 

[Iafeta]

Anyone know which team he's going to? My guess would be Salford.

$1.10 odds I reckon for Salford.

 

[sup42]

St Helens for mine.
Rapira is one of the bricks that kept this team from falling apart off the field with his example.

People like him and Jerome Ropati would never chose the path of pay for injury time off.....tis their misfortune to go ACC like some of us in our working lives or friends / people we know.

Injury somehow gets lumped with stigma in fans minds, comments like 'glass', compare this fellow to someone like Martel who was never injured and you see the real meaning of standing in 'the front line'

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

So sad. Really he should be in his prime right now, but injuries have just battered him around too much.

Thanks Sam, best of luck, hope you've still got a few more big games left in your for this year yet.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

Its the right thing.
He gave his all to the club, heart body and soul. Will go down as a legend imo. Sadly couldn't achieve the heights he has the potential for due to injuries.

No doubt he'll be go big guns over there. Wish him all the best

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Another to agree with JJ, rookie props simply never have it in the tank to play a full season .

It's sad a guy of his age isnt coming into prime form, and doesn't get the plaudits deserved of the most capped Warriors prop of all time. Thats a fair stat for a club famed for its big boppers (right or wrong)

I remember well when he was nigh-on the best prop in the world, around 2009-10.

Salford will enjoy a Kiwi with an ounce of professionalism

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

If hes going to Salford, I hope he gives Kevin Locke a clip around the ears on behalf of every fan of the Warriors

 

[MKEB...]

If hes going to Salford, I hope he gives Kevin Locke a clip around the ears on behalf of every fan of the Warriors

I'm never one to endorse that...but agreed

 

[rhino2009]

Do you know which team in SL Rapira is joining in 2016?

 

[warrior poet]

http://www.giantsrl.com/news/article/4453/kiwi-legend-signs-to-be

KIWI LEGEND SIGNS TO BE A GIANT
Giants sign prop Sam Rapira on two-year deal from 2016
New Zealand Warrior and World Cup winner Sam Rapira will swap the NRL for Super League in 2016 with the Huddersfield Giants. The 28-year-old prop is expected to link up with the Giants for pre- season in mid-November and has his sights set on finishing his Warriors career at the very top after having signed a two-year deal with the Claret and Gold.
Sam Rapira said: “After 10 years at the Vodafone Warriors, I can’t wait for the new challenge of playing English Super League. I decided to sign up with the Giants because I’ve heard positive things about the club and they have shown a lot of enthusiasm in getting me over there. I’m really grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to working with Paul Anderson and the boys. The thought of moving to the other side of the world with our two daughters is a bit daunting but our friends and family have been supportive throughout this process and we are excited to experience a new country and culture. We’ve had lots of advice from Sam Tomkins and his partner Charlotte and it’s nice to know that we’ll have a few English friends over there in addition to our Kiwi friends.”
Giants Head Coach Paul Anderson said Rapira’s move was a great compliment to the Giants:
“He has played at the very highest level throughout his career and to choose us to spend time with in the UK is great testament to what we have built up over the years here and a clear message of where we want the club to be. Sam is a winner and a tough competitor who will enjoy the conditions here after he has finished his outstanding NRL career. He had options here and in Australia so we are delighted he has joined our club in the face of a lot of other possibilities. He is an out and out prop forward and someone who we will look to for the simple but effective and necessary role in getting the side moving forwards and making our middle unit a tough spot to run into.”


was a good player for us in his prime... unfortunately he hasn't been in his prime for a few years (due to injury). If he was to stay in the NRL he would probably end up as a NSW cup player (which he may already be), this way he gets to finish his career as a top grade player (and maybe even win a SL or challenge cup title)

Good Luck