Jordan Rapana’s 200th Milestone: A Journey from Porirua to NRL Glory

Over the weekend, many of us were celebrating alongside the Rapana whānau as we cheered Jordan on from the sidelines of his 200th match for NRL Club Canberra Raiders. Jordan is one of only 13 players who have played a benchmark 200 games for the club.  

Born and bred in pā, the Rapana whānau made the move (like many of our whānau) to the land of dreams, Ahitereiria on the Gold Coast. We caught up with Jordan in between training this week to congratulate him and get some insight into life as an NRL great.

For those who don’t know, can you please share with us your Ngāti Toa whakapapa?

My mother is Leearn Rapana (Arthur) daughter of Karewa and Christina Arthur, granddaughter of Moki Arthur and Kauhoe Manuirirangi.

We know you spent your early years in the pā in Porirua. When did you and your whānau move to Australia and at what age did you start playing rugby league?

I moved with my family to the Gold Coast in 1995, I would’ve been around 6 years old. I pretty much got into Rugby League not long after moving here as Rugby Union wasn’t very strong in the area that we were living.

 200 games for one club is a massive achievement, where do you draw your inspiration from?

Yeah it is massive and I feel very grateful and privileged.  There are so many people that have inspired me throughout my life but if I had to name a few it would definitely be my dad Eli, older brother Joelin, Uncle Karewa Jnr and of course my Koro, Karewa Arthur.

They have all been wonderful husbands and fathers. As a husband and father myself I truly idolize and look up to them and appreciate the role models that they have been to me. This is where I draw my inspiration from.

Motivation is key to becoming a pro sportsman, what keeps you motivated?

Motivation is key. It’s a huge part of being a professional athlete. It takes a lot to manage the physicality, fitness and mental toughness required to get through a full NRL pre-season, season. The intensity of every session at which we train at can put a lot of pressure on players which leads to some players pulling the pin on their career.

Over the 11 years that I’ve played, my motivation has come from the sacrifices that my parents made for me growing up. This has kept me hungry to succeed ever since I was a youngster!

Being a father of 2 also motivates me heading towards the end of my career! My kids have given me a new sense of purpose and rekindled the fire inside that I felt was burning out only a few years ago.

How do you approach game day and do you have any rituals that you follow before a big game?

I’m usually very chill before a game, my wife would say maybe too chill. The biggest thing for me when approaching a game is to just make sure that I’ve done all the little things right throughout the week, so my body is at it’s best to perform.

I think preparation is the key to success and as long as I feel I’m fully prepared, making sure my body is 100% and that I’ve done my homework on the opposition etc, I feel very confident going into a game.

I’m not superstitious by any means, but if I had to say something that I do consistently each week before I run out it would be finding a quiet place in the sheds, bowing my head and saying my prayers.

 How often are you back in Porirua and is there anything in particular you like to do when you’re here?

I try to get home as often as possible. Unfortunately, with my profession pre-season and the season itself take up most of my year. I take 10 weeks off each year which is usually from October to December. My mum and dad are still on the Gold Coast, so we tend to spend it up there with them.

When I do have the luxury of getting back to Porirua, I’m usually out fishing with Ritchie Wineera, around Mana Island, or teaching Aaron Arthur a lesson or two in golf at the Titahi Bay Golf Course. These are some of my favourite things to do. I also love jamming some bball with the cuzzies up at the Chapel.

What has been your biggest achievement to date both personally and professionally?

I think my biggest achievement personally is being a dad! I love being a dad, it’s super busy but so fulfilling. Professionally, I would probably have to say reaching 200 games for the Canberra Raiders in the history of the club only 13 other players have done that, so it’s a pretty significant achievement.

I’ve also played 17 test’s for the NZ Kiwis which for me, is the pinnacle of our game.

Golf seems to be the latest sport back here taking up everyone’s time. What’s your handicap and if you were to call out one of the cuzzies who would it be?

Yeah I love my golf, my handicap is 2 at the moment. If I had to call someone out I hear Ross Taurima, and Randall and Evan Bishop can hold their own. So wouldn’t mind seeing how I go against them off the stick

What are your future goals in your sport?

I would love to win a premiership that’s been one of my goals from the start of my career. If I were able to achieve that this year, I would retire a happy man.

And finally have you ever had an offer to play for the Warriors and how do you think they’ll go this season?

(Laughs) I had an offer from the Warriors a little while back now, but I feel as though I made the right decision for me and my family to stay here in Canberra.

I’m 34yrs old, and I’m still playing some of my best footy. I truly put that down to enjoying myself off the field. For me, if life is good off the field, then I know it will be good on the field - the two go hand in hand.

On the Warriors - I believe the Warriors have something special, they are my second favourite team and I’m always cheering for them when they aren’t playing the Raiders! I think they will fire again this season and be equally as good as last year, given they don’t have too many injuries.

We wish Jordan all the best for the coming season….. go the Raiders -Warriors!