He previously played for the Gold Coast Titans NRL club and the Western Force Super Rugby team.

He played his junior football for the Tugun Seahawks and attended Palm Beach Currumbin High School before being signed by the Gold Coast Titans.

[13] On 17 October, he played for the Cook Islands in their Asia-Pacific Qualifier match against Tonga for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

[14] He finished the 2016 season with 23 tries, equal most with Suliasi Vunivalu,[15] and breaking the Canberra club record[16] During the season, Rapana and his centre partner Joseph Leilua became one of the most destructive duos of the year, scoring some fantastic tries and their strong friendship outside the footy field labelling them as "Leipana".

[19] On 15 October 2016, he made his international debut for the Kiwis against Australia, playing on the wing in the 26–6 loss at Perth Oval.

[23] After Canberra's round 1 match against the North Queensland Cowboys, Rapana received a warning from the NRL after he put up both of his middle fingers, gesturing at the officials after teammate Elliot Whitehead was denied a try in Golden Point Extra Time; the Raiders lost 20-16 shortly afterwards at 1300SMILES Stadium.

The Raiders sought a salary cap exemption of up to $350,000, possible where a player suffers a long-term injury while on rep duty.

[32] Rapana made a return for Canberra two months earlier than expected, slotting back into his wing spot in round 2 against the Melbourne Storm.

[33][34] In Round 4 against the North Queensland Cowboys, he played his 100th NRL career match and scored two tries in the 30–12 win at 1300SMILES Stadium.

[36][37][38] In October 2019, Rapana announced that he had signed a one-year deal to join Japanese rugby union team the Panasonic Wild Knights.

[45][46] On 27 September, Rapana was arrested by Queensland Police after failing a roadside breath test, recording a blood alcohol limit of 0.098.

[47] In round 18 of the 2022 NRL season, Rapana was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous high tackle during Canberra's 20-16 upset victory over Melbourne.

[53] Rapana played a total of 21 matches for Canberra in the 2023 NRL season and scored eleven tries as the club finished 8th on the table and qualified for the finals.

[54] In round 13 of the 2024 NRL season, Rapana kicked two field goals including the winner in golden point extra-time as Canberra defeated the Dolphins 26-25.