Rebuilt Raider to weather a Storm

STORM coach Craig Bellamy has stopped short of placing a target on Raiders star Jordan Rapana’s reconstructed shoulder. But if the winger is there to be hit, the Storm have a licence to respond accordingly.

New Zealand international Rapana will make a surprise return tonight in Canberra, four months ahead of schedule.

Rapana had surgery last November after dislocating his shoulder twice in a Test match loss to England.

“We’re not going to go away from our whole game plan just to run at Jordan or kick at Jordan,” Bellamy said.

“He’s a class player, an international player, and he’s been one of the best wingers in the comp for a lot of years now. I am sure he wouldn’t be playing if he wasn’t ready.”

Canberra’s outside backs boast a solid record against the Storm despite Bellamy’s men having won six of the past seven games against the Raiders. “You’re not going to get too many more strong (and) physical wingers than (Rapana and Nick Cotric),” Bellamy said.

With scattered storms forecast for Canberra tonight, the Storm have prepared all week for the worst conditions.