Steve Rapira

Steve Rapira(born 17 December 1988) is a New Zealand former professionalrugby leaguefootballer. A second-row forward, he previously played in theNational Rugby Leaguefor theNorth Queensland CowboysandNew Zealand Warriors,and English clubSalford Red DevilsofSuper League,and is the younger brother ofNew Zealand international,Sam Rapira.

Steve Rapira

Rapira while playing in theNSW Cupin 2013
Personal information
Born	(1988-12-17)17 December 1988 Hamilton, New Zealand
Height	183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	94 kg (14 st 11 lb)
Playing information
Position	Second-row,Prop
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2009–10 North Qld Cowboys 26 1 0 0 4 2011–13 New Zealand Warriors 14 0 0 0 0 2014 Salford Red Devils 20 0 0 0 0 Total 60 1 0 0 4
Source: As of 24 February 2018

Background

Rapira played for Hukanui in theWaikato Rugby Leaguecompetition and theWaicoa Bay Stallionsin theBartercard Cup.Rapira played for theNew ZealandUnder-16's in 2004 and made theJunior Kiwisin 2005. He became aNew Zealand Warriorsjunior and playing in their inauguralToyota Cupteam. He played for the Junior Warriors 10 times in 2008 and scored two tries.

Professional playing career

National Rugby League

In 2009 Rapira joinedNorth Queensland Cowboys,playing for theMackay Cuttersin theQueensland Cup.He made his first grade début on 11 April 2010 against theGold Coast Titans.He was named the club's rookie of the year in 2009.

In 2010 Rapira signed a two-year contract to re-join the New Zealand Warriors for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, with an option on a third year.

He made his Warriors début in Round 13 on 4 June 2011.For the 2012 season Rapira has been "re-modelled" as a prop.

Super League

Rapira signed to play in theSuper Leaguefor English club theSalford Red Devilsin 2014.

Queensland Cup

In 2015, Rapira returned to theMackay Cuttersin theQueensland Cup.

External links

• Steve RapiraNorth Queensland Cowboys