We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Joe Tapine thought he was perfect already.
He didn't think he needed to get better at anything, even when Newcastle veterans Jeremy Smith and Willie Mason put the rookie in his place at training. Reality shows he was a promising footballer with the world at his feet - if he could stay out of trouble.
So, how is it that Tapine sits before us at Canberra Raiders headquarters as the best front-rower in rugby league on a deal tipped to be of the richest a prop could ask for?
The Sydney Morning Herald
NRL 2023 round 1 team news LIVE updates: All the selection surprises before the season kicks off
Canberra are quickly approaching “now or never” status if they’re to avoid having a number of club champions finish their careers without an NRL premiership.
Iconic Raiders Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii are both aged 30 while skipper Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana are 33, meaning four core members of the 2019 grand final side could leave the game without a flag unless they can strike in the next couple of seasons.
Canberra backed up the 2019 grand final effort with a preliminary final appearance the following year, and addressed fears their window had already shut after slumping...