Hull FC have been named as one of two Super League clubs chasing after the signature of Canberra Raiders legend Jordan Rapana.
Rapana will turn 35 next month but it’s being reported by The Canberra Times that he is subject to interest from two Super League clubs, both of whom it is suggested would offer him a two-year deal.
That’s not the sort of security that the NRL side can offer their senior star which could force him to take up a Super League option, just like club captain Eliott Whitehead did.
During Whitehead’s lengthy absence on the sidelines, former Kiwi international Rapana took the armband. So far this season, the full-back has played 13 games and scored three tries. He’s also proved very handy with the boot, making 19 of 22 kicks.
His most iconic moment so far this season came in the Round 13 win over The Dolphins in which he kicked two drop goals, one in golden point to help secure the win.
Could Hull FC sign Jordan Rapana?
If reports from Canberra’s biggest paper, The Canberra Times, are to be believed then Rapana’s future could well lie in Super League with Hull FC one of the named parties interested.
The 34-year-old’scontract expires at the end of the season and he has previously spoken about his desire to retire if he doesn’t continue with the club, however, we’ve already seen both Luke Keary and Sam Tomkins go back on retirement decisions this year.
Strangely enough, the named Super League side alongside Hull FC that is reportedly pursuing Rapana is the Catalans Dragons, the team that have managed to lure both Keary and Tomkins out of retirement.
They have also signed Rapana’s teammate Elliott Whitehead to give the Englishman a last dance in Super League, highlighting the club’s pulling power.
Per The Canberra Times, their report states that an offer of a two-year deal has been made to Rapana which is “believed to be with either Catalans or Hull FC”.
The club’s Chief Executive Don Furner has also confirmed that such an offer does exist as he explained the club’s desire to keep him but conceded that the security of a two-year deal could leave it out of their hands.
“We’re going to give him the time he needs because his experience would be handy, but he’s looking at more than one year overseas so he might take that,” Furner said.
Back in May, Rapana confirmed that if he was not offered a new deal from the Raiders than he would retire, something that both Hull FC and Catalans Dragons appear to be challenging right now.