It's unlikely the Storm will chase the New Zealand international, who has played 129 of his 134 NRL games for the Green Machine.

Reports linked Rapana to the Storm and the Wests Tigers as part of facilitating Melbourne winger Josh Addo-Carr's hoped return to Sydney, but they appear nothing more than rumours.

The Raiders have kept a spot open for Rapana, but the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 2021 salary cap and squad sizes has meant they can't finalise a deal for him yet.

It's a similar situation with veteran Sia Soliola, who Canberra also want to retain but as yet can't finalise a deal.

The Raiders have re-signed young hooker Tom Starling for a further two years - although it's yet to be announced - and fullback Adam Cook, who will make his NRL debut in the No.1 jersey against the Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah on Saturday, has also signed for two years.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was confident they could re-sign Rapana, who has repeatedly made it clear he wants to stay in lime green.

It's believed discussions between the Raiders and Rapana hasn't progressed to the stage of contract lengths as yet, given all the uncertainty.

Rapana returned to Canberra midway through this season after starting the year in Japan playing rugby union, before the coronavirus pandemic shutdown the Top League.

"I don't have any thoughts on [the reports]. It's not something at the forefront of my mind this week," Stuart said.

"Jordan and his manager have spoken to our CEO Don Furner last week, and the communications are moving forward in regards to Jordan staying here.

"It was very surprising to be honest. I know Jordan and his manager were in discussions [with us] last week."

MORE RAIDERS NEWS

Cook's one of three NRL debutants picked to face the Sharks, along with Darby Medlyn and Jarrett Subloo, while five-eighth Matt Frawley will make his Raiders debut.

Stuart said it was a great opportunity to give them a taste of the NRL, especially since the cancellation of the NSW Cup meant they haven't had the chance to play any football this year.

"Hopefully I'm talking to you about all of them this time next week," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for them. I'm as excited as they are. It's good for them to be excited.

"You can talk about nerves and energy and playing your game early, but that won't be the case.

"We've got a lot of experience around those younger players and it's important for them to be excited. It's important for them to be nervous and to use it properly."

NRL ROUND 20

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah Oval, 5.30pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Adam Cook 2. Semi Valemei 3. Matt Timoko 4. Harley Smith-Shields 5. Nick Cotric 6. Matt Frawley 7. Sam Williams (C) 8. Dunamis Lui 9. Tom Starling 10. Sia Soliola 11. Hudson Young 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Siliva Havili. Interchange: 14. Kai O'Donnell 15. Ryan Sutton 16. Darby Medlyn 17. Jarrett Subloo. Reserves: 18. Ata Mariota 19. Joe Tapine 20. Jack Wighton 21. Elliott Whitehead.

Sharks squad: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Mawene Hiroti 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Wade Graham 7. Connor Tracey 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Toby Rudolf. Interchange: 14. Scott Sorensen 15. Jack Williams 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Teig Wilton. Reserves: 8. Billy Magoulias 19. Braydon Trindall 20. Bryson Goodwin 21. Daniel Vasquez.