Heโs already won the clubโs Player of the Year award and is likely to take the Dally M gong for the gameโs best prop as well, and now Canberraโs Joe Tapine is set for a big pay day, with reports of half-a-dozen clubs ready to register their interest if his future is still undecided come November 1.
The in-form prop has already begun extension talks with the Green Machine, but the discussions have recently been put on hold as the club and player focus on their finals charge.
While the club is aware that such extensive interest from competitors will significantly drive up Tapineโs asking price, itโs believed the Raiders are willing to make a long-term play.
The player himself is also acutely aware of the big decision looming on the horizon.
โItโs a good question, itโs a conversation to have with my wife. Weโve got to see what we want to do,โ Tapine told the Sydney Morning Herald.
โItโs about footy and lifestyle, so Iโve got some hard conversations coming up with (his wife), the club, Sticky (coach Stuart) and my manager.
โIf it sorts out before November 1 weโll be happy, and if we have to wait, weโll wait. Iโm not fussed at the moment, Iโm letting my footy do the talking.
โItโs something Iโve got to work out, but I do love it here. Iโve got strong relationships with the boys. If youโre thinking about moving, youโve got to think about creating new relationships. Thatโs not a bad thing, but I do have strong ties here.
โFootyโs footy and youโve got to take everything into consideration with these life decisions.โ
Itโs been a breakout year for Tapine, exemplified by his effort during the game against Melbourne. Coming onto the field thanks to injury with just a four point lead, Tapineโs data went up 50 per cent during his final stint, according to Champion Data.
โI think Iโve always been fit enough to play big minutes, itโs more about building the rest of my game into that. The way Iโm playing this year, I think Iโm giving the coaching staff confidence to leave me out there for longer.โ
But despite the effusive praise and the positive impacts on his perception, Tapine doesnโt need any help with motivation.
โI think whoever you are, even if youโre just a young fella coming in, your goal is to be the best in your position or best on the ground.
โI donโt judge myself off other people, more my own standards. If that ends up with me being the best prop, thatโs a bonus I guess.โ
