Jordan Rapana’s move to Hull FC is not his first experience of club rugby in England, although it is the first time he has been officially allowed to play over here.
The New Zealand international full-back spent two years in the UK as a teenager as part of a mormon mission, travelling around the west of England and Wales spreading the good word.
It was during this time Rapana ended up having a run-out for amateur rugby union club Supermarine RFC, yet he revealed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Hull FC’s match against Wigan Warriors on Friday that he had to do so in secret.
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“I wasn’t meant to,” Rapana said with a laugh. “I ended up bumping into a rugby team down in Swindon, and I told the guys if they all came to church I’d come play a game with them in the local competition.
“It worked out well for me: They all came and we got the win.
“But I wasn’t meant to and I’d get in trouble if the fella in charge found out, so that’s between us, ay?”
Now 35, Rapana is not as active in his church, but still maintains his faith, while his previous experience of life on these shores has helped since moving to the Betfred Super League from NRL side Canberra Raiders on a two-year contract.
So too has being reunited with now-Black and Whites boss John Cartwright, who he played under at Gold Coast Titans in his first NRL season in 2008, prior to deciding to follow his brothers into doing missionary work and then returning to professional sport with Super Rugby outfit Western Force in the 15-a-side code.
Rapana had always been eager to play in Super League as well, and found it to his liking in his first Hull FC game away to Catalans Dragons in Round 1 last Friday.
“The speed is definitely slower than the NRL, which probably suits me getting older, but the physicality is the same if not more physical,” Rapana said.
“I knew I’d always come over here, I wasn’t sure when the right time was, and obviously got a two-year deal from Carty – which, at my age, is huge.
“I was still playing full-back in the NRL so I knew there was a lot left in these old legs, and given that opportunity it was a no-brainer, really.
“I’m really glad I made the decision and so far, so good.”
That 24-4 win for the Black and Whites over the Dragons in Perpignan made plenty of people sit up and take notice, but an even tougher test awaits last year’s 11th-place finisher when they host reigning champions Wigan in Round 2.
Rapana is not bothered about proving the naysayers wrong, though, and is only worried about what Hull FC need to do if they are to get back to being among the Super League contenders.
“People are always going to have their say on where you’re going to finish or what your season is going to look like, but I just keep that at the back of my mind,” Rapana said.
“It’s a long season and we’ve got the toughest team in the competition now.
“The good teams are consistent, they can back it up, and that’s what we need to do this week.”
