The first Joseph Tapine Kiwi-NRL Spotlight came after Tapine's first game of the season churning out 200+ metres in the middle of Canberra Raiders' forward pack. That was round nine against the Bulldogs and Raiders had lost five games in a row, with that win giving Raiders a 3-6 record to start the season. From round 10 onwards, Raiders are 4-2 and Tapine enters Aotearoa Kiwis camp fresh off his fourth consecutive game with 200+ metres.

While only the busiest NRL forwards can touch 200m in a game, efficiency is crucial. The South Auckland rhino Jason Taumalolo started this wave as he would grab 200m averaging over 10m/run, while other forwards hit the 200m mark from twice as many carries. Including the monster match up against Joseph Manu in the round nine win over Raiders, Tapine has averaged over 10m/run in each of his last four 200+ metre performances.

Round 12 vs Eels

54mins, 20 runs - 234m @ 11.7m/run, 1 tackle bust, 3 offloads, 31 tackles @ 96.88%

Round 13 vs Roosters

57mins, 20 runs - 209m @ 10.45m/run, 5 tackle busts, 3 offloads, 33 tackles @ 91.67%

Round 14 vs Broncos

53mins, 23 runs - 243m @ 10.56m/run, 1 LBA, 4 tackle busts, 6 offloads, 33 tackles @ 97%

Round 15 vs Raiders

46mins, 20 runs - 203m @ 10.15m/run, 1 try assist, 3 tackle busts, 26 tackles @ 92.86%

This four-game stint has seen Raiders exchange wins and losses, losing to Eels and Broncos. Tapine's performances don't guarantee wins but the presence of the Harbour City junior and Josh Papali'i in the middle for Raiders gives them a chance. Most notably though there was a shift in Tapine's mahi that has coincided with a greater Raiders shift towards winning footy.

Prior to round nine vs Bulldogs, Tapine had one game running over 150m (153m vs Cowboys). In the seven games from round nine onwards, Tapine has five games with 200+ metres as well as 189m and 132m performances.

The best ability is availability and Tapine has played every game this season. Tapine is 1st for total Post Contact Metres and while he is 5th for All Runs and Run Metres, Tapine is the best forward in both categories. Tapine is also 5th for Offloads and is now averaging 163m which is a big jump up from the 137m that led the last Tapine yarn; from 137m to 163m per game in six games.

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