Sam Rapira is hoping he can do something for Huddersfield Giants, and the Giants can do something for him.
The 28-year-old former New Zealand Warriors prop has arrived in Huddersfield on a two-year Super League deal from the Australian NRL with a big reputation. After all, he has played for the Kiwis on 13 occasions.
During a decade at his hometown club, he’s played in some massive NRL encounters and savoured success with New Zealand over Australia in the Test arena.
But he already feels he can progress even more under his new head coach and former Great Britain prop Paul Anderson – and can then repay the favour by passing on his own big-game experience to the younger members of the Giants squad.
“I really like the way Paul goes about his business,” said Rapira, who has arrived at the Giants at the same time as fellow big signing Ryan Hinchcliffe from Melbourne Storm.
“As a fellow front-row forward, I suppose I can relate to him a bit more.
“In the very short time I’ve been here (a week), I can tell he’s a great coach and I can learn things off him. Even though I’ve played in some big game for the Warriors and New Zealand, I know you can never stop learning.
“And, a bit further down the track, if I could help some of the younger guys at the club I’d be happy to put myself forward.
“But first things first. I’ve got to make sure I get the respect of the lads here, that’s got to be my No1 priority right now.
“When I’ve done that and hopefully helped make a positive impact on the team, then I can really start to think about playing more of a leadership role.
“I know I won’t be able to take it for granted that I’ll walk straight into the side – there are too many good players in the squad for that – so working hard and improving my strength and fitness is the thing I’m focusing on at the moment. I’m enjoying that.”
Rapira admitted it was a bit of a daunting prospect when he met his new Giants teammates for the first time just over a week ago, having never met any of the players before.
More: Huddersfield Giants head coach Paul Anderson hails the impact of newcomers from down under
But he’s looking forward to next week when his former Warriors teammate and popular Giants forward Ukuma Ta’ai signs back in for training following the birth of his third child back in New Zealand a month ago.
“It’ll be great to see Ukuma again,” beamed Rapira, who has moved into a home in Shepley with his family.
“He’s promised to show me the sights and sounds of Huddersfield, which I expect to be a bit of an eye-opener!
“And I know I’ll really enjoy training and playing with him, because he’s a great player.
“He absolutely loves it here, and he’s confident I’ll soon get to love the place and the people just as much as he does.
“It goes without saying that the happier you are, the better you’re able to play.
“The early signs do suggest I’ll be okay here.”
