𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙈𝙀𝘿: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖 𝙀𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙮𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮-𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙-𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙗𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙝𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙚-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡. READ MORE 👇🏿

The Canberra Raiders have made a powerful statement in the NRL player market, officially outmanoeuvring the Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters to secure the signature of one of the competition’s most highly regarded second-row forwards from the South Sydney Rabbitohs. After weeks of speculation, discussions, and behind-the-scenes negotiations, the Raiders have emerged victorious, locking in the forward on a lucrative multi-year deal that significantly strengthens their roster moving forward.

The signing is seen as a major coup for Canberra, particularly given the level of interest from rival clubs. Both Parramatta and the Roosters were understood to be aggressively pursuing the player, viewing him as a long-term solution to bolster their forward packs. However, the Raiders’ clear vision, strong leadership group, and commitment to building a competitive squad proved decisive in swaying the player’s decision.

Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Canberra’s pitch focused heavily on opportunity and role clarity. The club reportedly outlined how the forward would become a central figure in their pack, offering consistent minutes, leadership responsibilities, and a chance to be a cornerstone of the team’s future. This long-term stability, combined with the Raiders’ reputation for developing elite forwards, played a crucial role in sealing the deal.

The highly-rated second-rower arrives with an impressive resume, having developed into a reliable and impactful performer during his time at the Rabbitohs. Known for his strong defensive work rate, powerful running lines, and ability to generate second-phase play, he brings a blend of toughness and skill that perfectly suits Canberra’s style of football. His presence is expected to add both depth and quality to the Raiders’ forward rotation, while also easing the workload on existing stars.

For the Raiders’ coaching staff, this signing represents more than just a short-term boost. It reflects a broader strategy aimed at sustained success, with the club prioritising players who can contribute consistently over multiple seasons. The multi-year nature of the deal underlines the faith Canberra has in the forward’s ability to perform at a high level and grow into a leadership role within the squad.

Meanwhile, the Eels and Roosters will be left to reassess their recruitment plans after missing out on a key target. Both clubs remain well-resourced and competitive, but losing a recruitment battle of this magnitude highlights the increasingly fierce competition across the NRL player market.

As the Raiders look ahead to upcoming seasons, this signing sends a clear message to the rest of the competition: Canberra is serious about contending. By securing a highly-rated second-row forward despite strong rival interest, the Raiders have reinforced their ambition and taken a significant step toward building a formidable, finals-ready squad.