Jordan Rapana is determined to make Canberra's left wing his own but NRL rule changes could open the door for him to become a forward pack pinch-hitter.
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The 30-year-old is jostling with Bailey Simonsson for a spot outside Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker on the left flank for a date with Manly Warringah at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.
However Canberra coach Ricky Stuart could opt to use Rapana in the forward pack to add another dimension to his squad in the hope he can capitalise on a free-flowing brand of football.
He has Rapana's stint in rugby union to thank for it after the New Zealand international returned from Japan with some extra baggage to help him cope with the bumps and bruises.
Rapana tipped the scales at 104 kilograms following Canberra's win over the Wests Tigers - a three-kilogram drop from how he stood upon his return to the club.
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"Last year I was 102. I was 98 at one stage and I have gradually put on the weight," Rapana said.
"Ideally I would sit around 101 or 102, but I think the weight I am at with the game we are playing and the rule changes, I feel as though I can help cover multiple positions.
"Last week I came off the bench in the second row, didn't do a great job, but at the weight I am at I can help cover the forwards.
"There is the good and the bad, I have played at all different weights. Being at the weight I am now I feel like I have a bit of weight behind me where I can get some stronger carries in.
"I have been at the lighter end of the scale where you can be more battered and bruised after a game but also be quicker. I'm just trying to juggle it.
Ideally I would sit around 101 or 102, but I think the weight I am at with the game we are playing and the rule changes, I feel as though I can help cover multiple positions.
- Raider Jordan Rapana
"I definitely came back with a fair bit of extra weight, but with help from the [strength and conditioning staff] and the nutritionists I have been able to get my weight back to where I want to be."
Rapana returned to the starting line-up on the left edge outside Canberra captain Croker against the Wests Tigers over the weekend at Simonsson's expense, with Stuart opting in favour of experience.
The prospect of Rapana lining up against Tiger Joey Leilua - the man he once terrorised opposition alongside as part of the Raiders' lethal right edge pairing - was an unfamiliar sight.
But the Raiders flyer is relishing the chance to play on the opposite side of the park with Nick Cotric finding a home on the right edge outside Curtis Scott.
"I much prefer left side, I always played on the left growing up," Rapana said.
"But when I came to the club Edrick Lee was here so I got thrown on the right. Toots is a great player, love playing outside him with Jack and Elliott as well. It's my preferred side.
"I need to be starting for me, fitness wise. Slowly getting back to where it once was. I enjoy starting because you get the full 80 minutes and that match fitness back quicker."
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
