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New Zealand lock Joe Tapine arrived in Canberra from Newcastle four years ago on a big-money deal despite having played just 20 NRL games.
Canberra enforcer Joe Tapine says his controversial move from Newcastle four years ago has been vindicated by the Raiders' drought-breaking NRL grand final berth.
Tapine was effectively shown the door at the Knights after he signed a lucrative contract in 2016 with Canberra for the following season.
The Kiwi had only played 20 NRL games when the Raiders swooped with a multi-million dollar offer, and after signing, Newcastle coach Nathan Brown told Tapine he'd spend the season playing reserve grade.
He was eventually granted an early release and developed into an international lock at Canberra.
Tapine can add a premiership to his Raiders' resume if the Green Machine take down reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.
The 25-year-old said the trip to the grand final proved he "definitely" made the right decision four years ago.
"I came down for a fresh start. I think people forget that it's a business at the end of the day and it was the right decision for me football-wise and personally," Tapine told AAP.
"Me and the missus came down and built relationships. My off-field stuff is where I want it to be and that really shows on the field."
Canberra assistant coach Andrew McFadden backed Tapine to be one of the Raiders' unsung heroes against the Roosters on Sunday.
"I'm sure he'll have an impact," McFadden said.
"Our great strength is the way they operate as a group, we've obviously got some very good individuals but they do feed off each other.
"When any individually get challenged they all respond as a group."