NRL: Talent aplenty to fill gap left by Warriors veteran

Sam Rapira will depart for England at the end of the season. Photo / Jason Oxenham

The Warriors have lost their most experienced prop - but the post-Sam Rapira future looks bright.

In most other scenarios, the impending departure of a 169-game front rower who had grand final experience and was still only 27 years old, would be seen as a blow. Props take time to mature, remain the foundation that success is built upon and established performers are like gold dust.

But the Warriors are confident of their front row stocks and this, combined with Rapira's desire to leave the Auckland club on a high, led to the former Kiwi's announcement yesterday that he will depart for England at the end of this season.

The Warriors have a good base up front. Ben Matulino has started the season impressively and Jacob Lillyman has been probably their most consistent prop over the past two seasons.

Youngsters Albert Vete and Sam Lisone were revelations in the first two games of this campaign. Former Holden Cup captain Lisone always looked NRL material but the swiftness of his rise has surprised many while Vete's potential is being realised following a rigorous off season and a new attitude. Suaia Matagi (35 games) and Sione Lousi (42 games) are waiting for their chance and Charlie Gubb (six matches) also has potential.

The club is still on the hunt for another strongman in the middle - evidenced by their pursuit of Jason Taumalolo and Trent Merrin - but their young players signal a bright future. Meanwhile, Rapira's announcement yesterday was typical of the man. He's been a great servant to the club, an extremely low maintenance but high impact player who has accumulated more matches in the front row than any other Warrior.

Rapira has been a perfect role model for the likes of Lousi, Vete and Lisone, showing the true value of work ethic and commitment.

At his peak he was one of the most effective props in the NRL, with his ability to gain ground after contact and his powerful, accurate defending.

Recent campaigns have been blighted by injuries, hence his desire to leave while he still had a lot to offer.

"I don't know anything else apart from the Warriors but it is time for me to try something new," said Rapira.

"Things have to come to an end [and] being my 10th year I wanted to go out playing football, not being injured. This is the best I have felt in years."

Aside from the 2011 Grand final, Rapira nominated playing alongside his brother Steve (twice in 2013) and running out for his 150th game with his daughters as career highlights.

He expects to be back in action for the Warriors in "the next few weeks" while his final destination in Super League is yet to be confirmed.