The Gold Coast Bulletin

RAPANA’S TALENTS SHONE EARLY ON

- EMMA GREENWOOD @EmmaGreenw­ood12

JORDAN Rapana played just five games for the Titans in the first chapter of his rugby league career but it was enough to see he was a special talent.

Rapana scored five tries in five games – including a double on debut – when he was lifted into the Titans’ NRL squad in 2008.

And then he was gone. Rapana completed a twoyear Mormon mission in England and Wales before a fiveyear odyssey to work his way back to profession­al ranks.

A dalliance with rugby failed to translate into a Super career and Rapana returned to league in 2014 when he signed with the Canberra Raiders.

What has happened since has led to the former Palm Beach Currumbin student being named No.4 in the Gold Coast’s top 10 NRL talents of 2018.

Rapana has made every post a winner since joining the Raiders, with his blistering speed, snappy footwork and outstandin­g finishing skills leading to him becoming one of the premier wingers in the league.

Gold Coasters have the chance to see Rapana up close and personal this weekend when his Raiders take on the Titans in the season-opener at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

 ?? Picture: GETTY IMAGES ?? Jordan Rapana is one of the ones that got away for the Gold Coast.
Picture: GETTY IMAGES Jordan Rapana is one of the ones that got away for the Gold Coast.

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