Canberra veteran Jordan Rapana has revealed he will retire at the end of the season if he is not offered a new contract by the Raiders.
The fullback has played 202 games for the club across 10 years and recognises his career is approaching the finish line.
He is, however, eager to continue playing for at least one more season and sign a new deal with the Raiders for 2025. If that does not eventuate, Rapana said he will hang up the boots rather than chase another opportunity at a rival club.
"If I don't get another extension from the Raiders, I can say right now, I won't be going anywhere else," Rapana said.
"It's home for me. Even though I played at the Titans a handful of games, I still feel like I'm a one-club man.
"I've played 99% of my footy at the Raiders. That's home for me and I'm happy to hang my boots up here too."
Raiders v Bulldogs – Round 11, 2024
Rapana recognises his health will play a key role in determining whether he is able to push on for another season.
The 34-year-old has largely avoided serious injuries throughout his career but spent the past four games on the sidelines with a knee injury before returning in Friday night's victory over the Bulldogs.
Match: Raiders v Bulldogs
Round 11 -
home Team
Raiders
8th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
13th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The past month provided a glimpse into the future for Raiders fans, with coach Ricky Stuart handing an NRL debut to promising teenager Chevy Stewart.
The 18-year-old is seen as Canberra's long-term fullback and Rapana expects Stewart to wear the No.1 jumper for years to come.
One tough shift from Rapana
"That's why [Stuart's] playing him in those games I was out," Rapana said. "He's not playing him for no reason. Sticky sees a massive future in Chevy and so do I.
"He's a wonderful player, he's still 18, he's got lots of footy ahead of him. I have no doubt he'll be the future fullback of this club."
Rapana's comments came after an emotional tribute to Raiders and New Zealand legend Quentin Pongia following Friday night's Magic Round win.
The club was celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1994 grand final win over Canterbury, with the majority of the squad assembling in Brisbane to mark the occasion.
Pongia died from bowel cancer in 2019 but former teammate Laurie Daley ensured he was not forgotten. The Raiders legend led a moment of silence for Pongia, before Rapana and his New Zealand teammates performed a haka in his honour.
Ricky Stuart: 30th anniversary of the 1994 premiership
Pongia was working at the Raiders when Rapana joined the club and the fullback said his impact on the sport cannot be overstated.
"Our wrestle room at Raiders HQ is named after him," Rapana said. "He played a massive part in this club, he's a legend of the game but more so a legend of the Raiders.
"The majority of our boys are from New Zealand and have Maori heritage. I thought it would be the right thing to do in respect to Quentin not being here."
