Rapana heads west on a new mission
Western Force recruit Joelin Rapana is a breath of fresh air in the testosterone driven world of football - be it union, league, soccer or Australian Rules.
At a time when football codes are frequently embarrassed by the outrageous behaviour of some players and coaches, the 26-year-old has done the opposite - lived his life by the Book.
A devout Mormon, Rapana turned down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a 21-year-old to play league for glamour NSW club the Bulldogs in order to serve his church on a mission ministering in remote Western Australian communities.
After two years in WA in 2005 and 2006 he headed back home to Tweed Heads, where his father Eli is the bishop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He was offered a contract to play for the Gold Coast Titans before being picked up by the Force for next season.
Rapana, who started his career in rugby union in New Zealand, only switched to league after his family moved to Queensland when he was in his early teens.
"There wasn't much opportunity to play union as a schoolboy so I followed the path every other young schoolboy did," he explained.
Rapana's appearances with the Australian Schoolboys team earned him a contract with the Bulldogs, but he turned down the opportunity to follow his family into the ministry.
"It was something that everyone in the family had done and growing up it was always my intention and desire to serve with a mission for our church," he said.
"It was during my time in Perth that I was exposed to union again, so when the opportunity came up to play with the Force I grabbed the chance with both hands."
He said he would never regret spending two years away from the game - the experiences he gained would enrich his life in the future.
"The big challenge now is converting back to union and getting used to a kicking game again," Rapana said.
"It is the biggest difference between league and union and I will have to take that on board, especially playing at outside back."
He knows it will require hard work to improve that particular aspect of his game but is confident his speed, and ability to finish off, will give him the inside running for the wing role.
"There are a couple of injuries among the backs and if I can put my hand up by working hard, I will give myself the best possible chance of starting at right wing," Rapana said.
He said experience taught him that was what most coaches were looking for and that was all he could do.
