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.


Share
2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world