Despite other options on the table for this year's Rugby League World Cup, Canberra Raiders winger Jordan Rapana is adamant there's only one team he's ever wanted to play for.
Rapana told 1 NEWS today there were four countries he could've declared for under the tournament's eligibility laws - New Zealand, Australia, Italy and the Cook Islands - but there's only one jersey that sticks out to him.
"For me, [New Zealand] is home," he said.
"Even though I left here at a young age, I always call New Zealand home and I'm very proud and passionate earing the black jersey."
After a two-year stint in rugby under the Western Force in 2011 and 2012, Rapana returned to league with the Raiders and after a year in their farming system, debuted for the club in 2014 against the Eels - six years after his NRL debut with the Titans.
He played three games for the Cook Islands from 2013 to 2015 as well.
"I've been here, there and everywhere!" he said.
"It was a roundabout way but I finally got here and I'm just really enjoying it and making the most of it."
Rapana says his loyalty to the Kiwis stems from his childhood.
"I moved away at a young age [but] I can remember living in Australia and watching the Kiwis or the All Blacks and standing [in front of the television] singing the anthems and doing the haka with the players.
"To finally get that opportunity to do that in real life, I'm very proud."
Rapana and the Kiwis begin their World Cup campaign against Samoa on Saturday 28 October at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.
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