Canberra star winger Jordan Rapana has been sidelined again and will miss up to three NRL games with a rib injury.

Rapana copped a heavy knock in the Raiders loss to Manly last week and scans confirmed the New Zealand international had suffered cartilage damage.

The 29-year returned from a shoulder reconstruction eight weeks ahead of schedule in round two, and has scored two tries in six games.

Rapana will miss games against Penrith, the Sydney Roosters and potentially South Sydney.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has replaced Rapana with rookie Bailey Simonsson.