Jordan Rapana insists he’s not come to Hull FC to 'just be another number,' with the 35-year-old fully determined to make the most of his two years at the Black and Whites.

The former Canberra Raiders star is fully aware of just how tough recent times have been for Hull, but the Kiwi is excited by the experience brought into the club as one of nine new signings to John Cartwright’s squad—a head coach he and the likes of Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer, and John Asiata also know from their time in the NRL.

Branded the ultimate competitor, Rapana, like every other Super League player, wants to win something, with his goals firmly set out ahead of his first year in the famous black and white hoops.

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Speaking at Super League's recent promo day, Rapana outlined his hopes for 2025, with the new season getting underway next month. He said: "As long as we have a team that fights for 80 minutes and never gives us up, I think that’s what fans want to see—teams that compete to the final whistle.

"Winning then is the icing on the cake. I’m not coming over here just to be another number. We’re here to win something—whether that be a Challenge Cup or a Super League Grand Final. That’s our ambition and goal, and we’re striving towards that every day in pre-season."

Buoyed by Hull’s recruitment, Rapana knows the responsibility placed on his shoulders: show leadership and raise standards, but also help bring through local talent to complement said experience, with that balance being the key to any success Hull will have this year.

Doing a similar role at Canberra, the full-back, who can also play on the wing, is ready for the challenge, with the likes of Logan Moy, Lewis Martin, and Harvey Barron looking to kick on this year.

"I think Carty and Richie Myler have recruited really well," Rapana explained. "Hull’s season and situation last year weren’t ideal—they had a lot of young kids thrown in the deep end, but they’ve got that experience here with them now.

"We’ve got players that can steer the ship around and are mixed with the youth, meaning we should be able to compete in every game and play with that heart and passion. I think that gives us a good chance at winning a lot of games.

"In my final few years at Canberra, it was my role to be the experienced head—there were a lot of young guys coming through over there at the time. We’re fortunate we’ve got the likes of Aidan Sezer and Zak Hardaker here this year too. Experience is something you can’t teach, and it’s only going to be more beneficial for the younger ones."

And as for his position, Rapana will wear the number one jersey this year, but that doesn’t mean he will not pop up on the wing, a position he has trained in this pre-season.

"I spoke to Carty, and I am quite versatile with where I can play," he said. "I have the number one shirt and that fullback role, but I’m happy to put my hand up to play any position needed and do my job there."

He added: "I love Hull, and it’s been an awesome experience so far. I’m living in Beverley, and I really like it. I’ve been stopped a few times by the fans, and you can really see how passionate people in Hull are about rugby league. The playing group has been awesome as well. I’m really looking forward to the season."

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