Rapira says leaving Warriors a tough call

Prop Sam Rapira says he will leave a Warriors NRL side with plenty of front-row depth when he heads to the English Super League at the end of the season.

Long-serving prop Sam Rapira is confident he will leave the NRL at the end of the season with the Warriors' front-row stocks in a healthy state.

Rapira, 27, will head to the Super League and a club yet to be confirmed.

A hamstring injury has prevented the 13-Test Kiwi from adding to his 169 first-grade appearance so far this season, and he is expected to be sidelined for another fortnight.

In his absence, the Warriors' line-up has featured two rookie front-rowers, Sam Lisone and Albert Vete, who have impressed when coming off the bench.

After Vete carried the ball for over 100 metres in the loss to Newcastle, Lisone did the same in the win over Canberra last weekend.

"The way they've held themselves the last two weeks, the club have a good base and are in safe hands," Rapira said.

"There are other young kids coming through and there's strong competition for spots. We're definitely looking healthy at the moment."

Rapira said Lisone and Vete's selection was well merited.

"They're more than capable and they're mentally tough."

Hamilton-born Rapira said the decision to leave a club for which he made his debut as a 19-year-old was a tough one.

"I sort of don't know anything else apart from the Warriors," he said.

But he also said all things had to come to an end and he was pleased to have the next stage of his career sorted.

A World Cup winner with the Kiwis in 2008, Rapira also played in the 2011 NRL grand final loss to Manly.

He lists among his highlights a couple of family moments.

"Not many people get to play with their brother, so that was definitely a highlight for me," he said of his two Warriors matches with Steve Rapira in 2013.

"Also for my 150th, running out with my girls - that was different and something I'll always remember."


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Source: AAP


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