Sam Rapira is ready to lead a Huddersfield Giants rise up the Super League XXI table.
The 28-year-old former New Zealand Test prop admits the start to his Huddersfield career hasn’t quite gone according to plan. Like everyone else, he readily admits to being bitterly disappointed at being part of a Giants side that’s won just one of their opening six 2016 top-flight fixtures.
But Rapira is convinced that when the wins start arriving and the confidence grows, his new club has the quality to sweep all before them in the competition and achieve great things.
“As starts to a season go, this is probably as tough as it gets,” admitted the experienced front-row forward, who arrived from New Zealand Warriors on a two-year-deal for the start of this season.
“And what makes it even tougher to take is the fact that we know we’re so much better than the League table suggests.
“We know we’ve only got ourselves to blame for losing the games we have, and that we’re obviously being hurt pretty bad on the injury front. When you’ve not had a settled full-back, nine and halves combination, you know you can be really up against it, and we haven’t had the luxury of this all year.
“On top of that, we’ve also suffered a fair share of injuries in the pack.
“Any club would struggle to a start to the year like ours.
“But none of us is dwelling on the past. We’re still feeling positive about the future, and we can’t wait for the day when we get up to full strength.
“Having said all that, I still expect us to go to Wakefield tomorrow and win.”
And Rapira is determined to build on the strong start he’s made to his Giants career.
“Personally, I’m not happy with the way things are going, because we’ve not been winning,” he added.
“I have been accused of being a bit hard on myself and talking down my own contribution, and I think that’s the reason why – the losses. I’ll probably be happier with my own form when the wins start coming on a regular basis.
“When they do, I’m sure I’ll really enjoy myself.
“From what I’ve experienced so far, I think my type of game suits Super League.
“It’s just as physically demanding as the Australian NRL, but it’s a bit slower around the ruck. I like it that way, and it’s given me the chance to get in a few offloads.
“Craig Huby’s noted for that, and it’ll be good to have him by my side tomorrow afternoon.
“He looks a good leader, is pretty calm and has bags of skill. Having him back (after missing the start of the season with a broken hand) is going to be a big plus for us.”
Moldgreen’s DRAM Centre will be hosting a Giants double-header on Saturday.
At 11am, the Under 16s Scholarship side is hosting Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, while at 2pm the Under 19s Academy team take on the North East Academy.
