NRL: Rapira commits to Warriors until 2014

Warriors prop Sam Rapira. Photo / NZPA

Sam Rapira, the Warriors' most experienced prop, has recommitted himself to the club by extending his contract to the end of the 2014 NRL season.

In 2007, the then 20-year-old Waikato product was secured on one the NRL's longest contracts when, in just his second first-grade season, he signed for five years until the end of 2012.

Rapira, 24, will become a nine-year Warrior at the end of 2014.

"I really want to play my football here for the Vodafone Warriors," he said.

"This is where it all started for me when I moved up from home. I couldn't be happier here. The club is in great shape, we've got so many good players coming through and I want to be here to do all I can to help.

"I was also keen to have my future settled before we get into the next season."

Despite being troubled by a serious thumb injury, Rapira still played 21 matches, including the NRL grand final, in 2011, lifting his career total to 123 appearances since his debut in 2006.

New Warriors coach Brian McClennan said it was critical for the club's future to retain the oldest of the Rapira brothers.

"Sam is a prop of the highest quality. He has proved himself to be one of the best in the game over the last few years," he said.

"While he's still young, he has tremendous experience at both Test and NRL level, invaluable for us as we continue to bring younger players into out NRL squad from the Junior Warriors.

Sam's such a solid person, very much a leader and mentor for those boys. He has a huge role to play for us both on the field and off it."