Jordan Rapana was one of Hull FC's big standouts in Saturday's pre-season win at Castleford Tigers. The 35-year-old played the first half in the centre position, crossing over for a deserved try off a neat pass from Aidan Sezer.

However, it was Rapana's energy, ability to read the play, and just the general nous he brought to his carries that really impressed. Drawing praise from head coach John Cartwright, there's no doubt that the former New Zealand international is going to impress in the black and white this year.

And for the Kiwi talent, it's two of his former teammates that have helped make his transition to England so smooth this winter: Peta Hiku and Jared Warera-Hargreaves. The Hull KR duo are tight with Rapana, having played for the country numerous times against Australia, England, and the like, lining up in Rugby League World Cup and Four Nations tournaments.

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But come derby day, friendships will go out of the window, with Rapana insisting he'll be the first man out there to try and land a shot on his mates—with the two Hull clubs first meeting on Good Friday at the MKM Stadium.

"I'm really close with Peta Hiku, and our families hang out all of the time," Rapana told Hull Live. "It's the same with Jared Hargreaves and Jessue Sue. I'm tight with them, but come game day, they'll be the first people I'll be going after. I'm looking forward to it."

Jokes aside, Rapana, who came over to England with his family having signed a two-year deal at Hull, is grateful for his new East Yorkshire community. He continued: "It's been really big having them. I can't thank Peta and his wife enough. They just live down pretty much the same street as me in Beverley. There's John Asiata in Beverley as well and his wife and kids. It's awesome to have that support network for my wife and kids. It's helped make the transition a lot easier.

"I'm quite tight with Aidan Sezer as well, but some boys live in Leeds, and they carpool every day. Having John, Peta, and their families around helps. It's awesome.

"I know a lot of guys over here across the competition. I've played against everyone that has just come over from the NRL plenty of times, and I have a friendship with most of those guys."

After impressing at Castleford, Rapana is now turning his attention to Saturday's cup tie against York Acorn, with the Kiwi delivering a key message ahead of the clash.

"It will be different playing against an amateur team, but you can't take any team lightly," he added. "I've been in the game long enough to know that if you're not on, then anything can happen. I'd like to think that Carty will take it very seriously and play a strong side. We're looking forward to it."