League: Big Hamilton homecoming for Rapira

Warriors' first-grade newcomer, Sam Rapira, is set for a memorable homecoming when he returns to Hamilton for Saturday's NRL encounter with the Parramatta Eels.

Head coach Ivan Cleary has named the Junior Kiwi captain as the team's 18th man for the match at Waikato Stadium.

Front rower Rapira, a Hamilton Boys' High School old boy, became a fulltime first-grade squad member during the off-season training programme.

Rapira, 18, will be one of three Waikato players in the team that travel to Hamilton today.

Also in the side are Huntly's Wairangi Koopu and Lance Hohaia.

- NZPA