Raiders' 'Leipana' still hunting NRL form

Canberra winger Jordan Rapana says his right-edge combination with centre Joery Leilua still hasn't rediscovered top form.

Rapana

Canberra's Jordan Rapana says he and right-edge partner Joey Leilua must step up. (AAP)

Devastating at their best, Canberra star Jordan Rapana believes his right-edge partnership with Joey Leilua must rediscover its best form.

There were signs the dynamic duo was back in business during the Raiders' big win over Cronulla last week, with a bullet pass from Leilua setting up the second try of Rapana's double.

But Rapana believes they haven't reached their peak ahead of Sunday's must-win clash with the Warriors in Auckland.

"We've got a lot to improve on and a lot of areas we can be better at," Rapana said.

"Don't get me wrong, it was good to get a couple of tries and BJ set up a wonderful one, but we still have a lot of work to do."

Leilua was outstanding when the Raiders last faced the Warriors, picking up a try-scoring double in the Raiders' round-seven victory in Canberra.

But he's struggled to find the consistency which Rapana has enjoyed on the way to picking up 16 tries this season.

Rapana's double against Cronulla came a week after he missed the Raiders' win over South Sydney.

"I think having that week off, as much as I didn't want to have it off, it was pretty good for my body," Rapana said.

"Anzac Test this year as well as playing every other game, the body was pretty battered and sore."

The Raiders are chasing their win in Auckland since 2012.


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Source: AAP



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