Hull FC’s new marquee signing, Jordan Rapana, arrives ahead of the 2024 season, bringing invaluable experience to an ambitious squad. With a strong pre-season setup, the club aims for silverware and a strong start.
In a demonstration of Hull FC's proactive recruitment strategy, the club's high-profile signing, Jordan Rapana, has arrived in England. The 35-year-old player, who has signed a two-year contract with the club, landed early Friday morning, prepared to join the squad and start getting ready for the upcoming season.
The addition of Rapana marks an exciting new chapter for Hull FC, as the club enhances its roster in anticipation of an ambitious season ahead. The seasoned full-back, who has competed in over 200 top-tier matches with the Canberra Raiders, brings a wealth of experience to a team already boosted by the signings of Aidan Sezer, Cade Cust, and John Asiata. With a solid history in the NRL and previous international accolades with New Zealand, Rapana's extensive expertise will be a vital asset for Hull FC as they aim to contend for trophies in 2024.
In a remarkable demonstration of efficiency, the club fast-tracked the visa applications for both Rapana and Sezer, securing their arrival well ahead of the holiday season—a notable exception for quota signings in recent years, many of whom have generally shown up only days before Christmas. This prompt arrival offers Rapana, in particular, a significant chance to adjust and discover his rhythm with the team during the vital initial phases of pre-season.
“Coming in early is a fantastic opportunity for me to get started with the team," Rapana remarked. "I’m enthusiastic about beginning training and making a difference on the pitch. The faster I can acclimate and understand the playing style here, the better it will be.”
Hull FC, guided by coach John Cartwright, has commenced an intensive pre-season training regimen in preparation for their Super League opener on February 14 against the Catalans Dragons. Rapana, who is set to play mainly at full-back, aims to make a significant impact as the team seeks to find its rhythm before what is expected to be a demanding beginning to the season.
In addition, the team's preparations will feature a friendly match on January 12 against Doncaster, which will be overseen by reserve team coach Francis Cummins, prior to the squad resuming their more rigorous training regimen.
As Rapana begins his new journey with Hull FC, his quick adaptation to the team could turn out to be one of the most clever decisions of the off-season. With the Super League season on the horizon, the new signings at Hull FC are poised to be crucial in the club’s ambitions for the upcoming year.
