That being said he's backed young gun Bailey Simonsson to reclaim his left wing spot against the Newcastle Knights next weekend, even though Rapana scored just four minutes into his Raiders return after Simonsson was a late withdrawal.

Simonsson was ruled out with a leg infection and Rapana jokingly told the 22-year-old to give more than 24 hours' notice next time - and to "have a shower and wash properly".

Rapana just feels blessed to be back where he belongs in lime green after a brief dalliance with rugby union in Japan.

He played almost all of his 113 NRL games with the Raiders on their right wing, forming a potent partnership with centre Joey Leilua, who's now with Wests Tigers.

But Nick Cotric has formed his own partnership on Canberra's right with Curtis Scott.

It's led to Rapana revealing he's always felt more comfortable on the left anyway.

"I somehow got thrown into the right wing because Edrick Lee was always on the left," he said.

"Definitely nice being back on the left, even though I haven't played there in five or six years, but I definitely prefer left to be honest.

"I feel like everybody can pass right to left comfortably too so you're getting a bit more ball than you do on the right edge."

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Not that he's making eyes at Simonsson's spot.

Rapana said before his call up that he was just here as cover and he felt Simonsson would be "sweet" to reclaim his No.2 jersey when the Raiders travel to Campbelltown Stadium for their "home" game against the Knights on Sunday.

The 30-year-old was unsure whether he'd done enough to keep his spot, despite having run for 158 metres, scoring one try and making one line break.

"I couldn't tell you. I said to Ricky when I signed, 'I'm here to do a job wherever or whenever you need me'," Rapana said.

"But Bailey and Nick have worked their arse off to get in that spot - and it was unfortunate what's happened with Bailey - I did a job there in that game.

"That's not to say that I'll stay there and I'll speak to Ricky about that. I think Bailey deserves that spot. He's a great player.

"I've spoken to Bailey and Nick, I've said to them both I'm here to help them in that position and develop their footy skills.

"I've been around the game and got a bit of experience in that position. I believe Bailey certainly deserves that spot and I"m just here to cover wherever I'm needed."

Rapana couldn't believe his luck though.

While the coronavirus ended his time with Panasonic Wild Knights before it had barely begun, it's also given him the silver lining of a Raiders return.

Rapana didn't want to leave Canberra, but was forced out due to salary cap pressures, which might also force him to leave the Raiders again at the end of the 2020 campaign.

But he's already been able to play for the Green Machine after missing just two NRL games since he left.

And that game was in Josh Papalii's 200^th NRL clash, making it even more special.

"It's actually worked out really, really well. I'm very fortunate and blessed to only ultimately miss two NRL games," Rapana said.

"I've been really, really fortunate and lucky. Someone's definitely watching over me. I've hit the jackpot I guess.

"With this COVID stuff going on, as much as it's sent the world into a state of chaos, it's definitely benefited me in some way.

"Running out last night was a surreal moment for a couple of reasons. One it was Papa's 200th game and he means so much to the club and so much to the boys.

"That was one of the biggest motivators to get the win down there. But then also just being back out there with my teammates and brothers I've definitely missed it. It's so good to be out there again."

NRL ROUND FOUR

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium, 4.05pm.