Pouring beers, waiting tables and working as a security guard is a long way from living the Super Rugby dream.
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But with his professional career on hold, former NRL star Jordan Rapana says juggling work with full-time training just makes him more determined to get back to the top.
Rapana is trying to relaunch his career in Canberra and will suit up for the Royals against the Uni-Norths Owls at Phillip in the John I. Dent Cup. The ultimate goal is landing a deal with the Brumbies and he has been training with the squad since the pre-season after the Western Force axed him last year.
But with no roster spots up for grabs until the end of the season, Rapana works at pubs and clubs around the capital to earn a crust and fund his rugby aspirations.
''It makes it a bit tougher, but it shows how badly I want it,'' Rapana said.
''I need the work and a bit of money so it's tough but who knows what could happen this year or the next.
''Yeah I'm playing Canberra club rugby. But a few years ago when I was at school I didn't think I'd be playing high school rugby one year and then in the NRL the next.''
Rapana's work ethic and desire to get a deal with the Brumbies is impressive.
When he was told he was no longer wanted at the Force last year, he could have easily turned his back on Super Rugby and chased a return to the NRL.
Rapana was a rising star for the Gold Coast Titans in 2008 and scored five tries in his first five games.
But he decided to put his rugby league goals on hold to go on a two-year Mormon mission to Wales and England.
When he returned he wanted to play rugby and was lured to Perth for the Force.
But coach Richard Graham resigned and when Michael Foley took over, Rapana was told he wasn't in the Force's plans for the future.
He was once touted as a superstar of the NRL but now he's fighting it out in the Canberra premier division to prove he can still forge a successful career.
Brumbies coach Jake White invited him to training and Rapana was to cover in the centres if Pat McCabe's recovery from a serious neck injury was longer than expected. ''I was grateful of the opportunity the Brumbies gave me and if something comes out of it I'm happy and willing to take it. [The Brumbies] are the only place that gave me a crack at it,'' Rapana said. ''I pretty much got brushed at the Force. I'm positive that a door might open up next year or in the future. Hopefully I've showed Jake and the coaches how badly I want it [a contract] … I want it really bad. When I left [on my Mormon mission] I knew it was a sacrifice and I wasn't just going to come back and have it handed to me.''
SATURDAY
John I. Dent Cup round four: Easts v Wests at Griffith Oval, Queanbeyan Whites v Tuggeranong Vikings at Campese Field, Royals v Uni-Norths Owls at Phillip Oval. All games start at 3.05pm.
