Five Key Stats
Games | 25
Tries | 4
Hit-ups | 172
Tackles | 522
Effective Tackle Percentage | 91%
Best Match of the Season
Round 12 | Raiders 32 defeated Bulldogs 20
Tapine scored his first ever points for the Raiders in a big victory over the Bulldogs. In 57 minutes on the field, Tapine ran for 114 metres, made 29 tackles and scored two tries which made the difference on the day.
Summary
After signing a contract to join the Raiders from 2017 onwards, Joseph Tapine was granted an early release from the Newcastle Knights in late February.
Newcastle's loss was the Raiders benefit, and Tapine started off the season with a couple of strong performances for the Mounties. It was in Round Three when Tapine made his Raiders debut, fittingly taking on his former team in Newcastle.
Tapine wouldn't drop out of first grade for the rest of the year, playing 25 matches for the Raiders at just 22 years of age. Playing every match off the bench, Tapine provided a big spark for the Raiders when he took to the field.
The year kept getting better for the Wellington born future star when he was selected in New Zealand's squad for the Four Nations, going on to make his international debut against Scotland. Just like his Raiders debut, the match ended in a stunning draw.
The big-game experience Tapine gained in 2016 will benefit him hugely heading into next season, as he looks to cement his spot as one of the best young forwards in the NRL.
