Wednesday 18 March 2015 10:48, UK
New Zealand international forward Sam Rapira is hoping to embark on a career in Super League after announcing he is to leave the Warriors at the end of the season.
The Hamilton-born prop, who was a member of the Kiwis' 2008 World Cup-winning team, told his team-mates he has decided to make his 10th season in the NRL his last.
"It was a hard decision but I'm pleased to have the next stage of my career sorted," said Rapira, whose younger brother Steve had a brief spell with Salford in 2014.
One-club man Rapira has amassed the most appearances by a front rower in the Warriors' history with 169 NRL matches, including the 2011 NRL Grand Final.
Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden said: "Sam is a terrific person and a fantastic team man who encompasses all the values we seek in our players.
"It's a tough day for everyone here and especially his team-mates. We all want this last year to be the best it can be for Sam. He certainly deserves it after the effort he has put in."
Rapira’s destination is not yet known, although Leeds are on the look-out for front-row recruits with the imminent retirement of Jamie Peacock and possibly Kylie Leuluai, while Salford will need to replace Adrian Morley at some stage.
