League: I almost quit - Rapira

Sam Rapira has revealed he was close to quitting rugby league before he sealed a move to Huddersfield Giants in the UK Super League.

The 28-year-old prop forward was called back into NRL action for the Roosters game on Sunday and he looks set to feature again as Manly visit Mt Smart this weekend.

He admitted he'd considered retiring at the end of 2015 but now he's back playing in the NRL, he wants to make the most of the opportunity in his final months in Auckland as the Warriors look to strengthen their place in the final play-off standings.

"They approached my manager and that got the ball rolling from there," Rapira said. "Originally, I was close to finishing up and retiring after this year but this opportunity came up.

"The boys are what keep you going so leaving those friendships will definitely be hard but it will be something that lasts.

"I sat down with the wife and kids; we had a think and just thought why not? For someone to want you it made us think hard about it and it all worked out in the end."

Rapira made his debut in 2006 and has played 171 NRL games.

He won 13 caps for New Zealand and he played in the 2008 World Cup final against Australia - which the Kiwis won 34-20 to be crowned world champions in Brisbane.

However, his last international game was in 2011 and he's struggled with injuries in recent years, which has limited his NRL game time. He's been featuring for the Warriors New South Wales Cup side this season in a bid to return to full fitness and impress Andrew McFadden.

It was announced in May that Rapira was ending his 10 year affiliation with the Warriors and he'd join Huddersfield on a two year deal from 2016.

"The experience, the different culture and being able to travel while being given the opportunity to continue doing what I love for a few more years was special in itself. The whole package will be really cool.

"I'm not playing as much games as I would have liked to but I think it's probably helped my body in a way.

"I'm trying to look at it as a positive anyway and I'm feeling really good at the moment. It's just a matter of getting the body ready for games week in week out now."

Rapira also praised the young Warriors he's played alongside in the New South Wales Cup this season.

The Warriors are currently struggling with injuries and several players have been forced to make the transition up to the NRL.

"There are definitely a few more bumps and bruises," he said. "There is a step up but I think a lot of it comes down to the mental side of things. When you get the call you've just got to do your job.

"For young people, with the game getting harder, they're doing really well which is pretty special."