Jordan Rapana says the secret to the Canberra Raiders' success is simple - the Green Machine "brotherhood" is so tight they will do everything it takes to avoid letting their teammates down.
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Rapana says the Raiders never feel like they're out of a contest, and one needn't look any further than captain courageous Jarrod Croker's stunning try-saving tackle on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in round seven for evidence.
The Raiders were once renowned for switching off during games and letting the opposition back into the contest - but that seems to be a thing of the past.
The Raiders have become accustomed to grinding out games for 80 minutes and Rapana says even when they are down by huge margins the belief in the group never fades.
"We enjoy playing with each other, we've got a brotherhood here," Rapana said.
"Everyone just wants to play for each other and I think that's a big factor. We never give up, we're never out.
"Even there's times when we're down by 20 or so and you just get a vibe between the boys that we just know we're going to score some tries. I think that's a big factor in that."
Rapana has brushed aside a knee complaint and declared himself fit to take on Manly at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
The NRL's leading try scorer says the Raiders will need to put in another 80-minute performance after the Sea Eagles mounted an impressive comeback against the Melbourne Storm last weekend.
"For us that's going to be a big focus for us, is making sure we stay in the game for 80 and play the whole way out," Rapana said.
"They've been unfortunate with a few losses, close losses, but for them they've been able to get into a grind and stay with teams so we've got to make sure that we're on our game."
Rapana expects Manly's left-edge pairing of Jorge Taufua and Brian Kelly to aim up in defence after Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett said they were "way too passive" against Melbourne.
Rapana and his inside man Joey Leilua are used to the extra attention having become one of the NRL's most lethal attacking combinations.
It means the pair dubbed "Leipana" often "cop a couple of cheap shots and get whacked a bit", but Rapana says that only pushes them to another level.
"We've always got to be on our game and really make sure we're playing well week in, week out," Rapana said.
"They've got a young debutant, Kelly, he's been quality for them, and obviously Jorge Taufua is a big boy.
"I think they're quality players and I have no doubt they'll be doing their homework on me, Joey, Elliott Whitehead, and [Blake Austin] so we've just got to make sure we focus on us and don't be complacent."
NRL ROUND EIGHT
Friday: Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles at Canberra Stadium, 6pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
Raiders squad: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (C), 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson , 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Adam Clydsdale, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Dunamis Lui, 17. Sia Soliola. Reserves: 18. Dave Taylor, 19. Jordan Turner, 20. Makahesi Makatoa, 21. Lachlan Croker
Sea Eagles squad: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Dylan Walker, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Akuila Uate, 6. Blake Green, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C), 8. Brenton Lawrence, 9. Apisai Korisau, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Frank Winterstein, 12 Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown, 15. Jackson Hastings, 16. Darcy Lussick, 17. Addin Fonua-Blake. Reserves: 18. Nate Myles, 19. Cameron Cullen, 20. Matthew Wright, 21. Shaun Lane
*The Canberra Raiders are urging the bosses to let staff off early this Friday afternoon so they can catch the kick-off with the #FridayFreePass. Click here to get yours.
