Canberra Raiders Latest

Joseph Tapine and Mele Hufanga named 2025 Players of the Year in New Zealand Rugby League.

LeagueNews.co

Joseph Tapine and Mele Hufanga have been honored as the 2025 Players of the Year for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns in New Zealand Rugby League.

Ryan Charles received the Wheel Kiwis Player of the Year award, while Casey McLean and Ivana Lauitiiti were celebrated as Rookies of the Year.

Tapine received the Steve Watene Memorial Medal, acknowledging his exceptional season as a key leader who led the Kiwis to victory in the 2025 Pacific Cup, in addition to captaining the Canberra Raiders.

Hufanga made significant contributions to both the Broncos' Premiership triumph and the Kiwi Ferns' performance in the Pacific Championships, securing her Player of the Year accolade.

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Canberra Raiders' Sione Finau aims to improve defensively and secure a consistent first-grade position.

LeagueNews.co

The potential of Canberra Raiders' outside back, Sione Finau, is clear, particularly in his offensive abilities.

During his limited experience in the NRL with the St George Illawarra Dragons, Finau demonstrated impressive finishing skills and speed that can compete with the league's elite. Yet, he recognizes that he still has areas to improve in order to become a consistent performer at the first-grade level.

When asked about his primary focus during the Raiders' pre-season, Finau stated, "My defence." He emphasized the importance of defense, noting, "I believe defence does win games, and as a winger, you gotta be good on both ends… that's one focus for me this year."

Alongside his commitment to improving defensively, Finau outlined a significant goal for 2026: to secure a permanent position in the first-grade squad. He expressed, "One of my goals is to play consistent NRL, not playing in and out of reserve grade."

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Dolphins' second-row positions intensify competition; Gilbert's return complicates selections for coach Woolf.

The Canberra Times

The hotly contested battle for Dolphins second-row spots is indicative of a race for positions in the pack, which will see highly rated forwards miss out on a round-one berth.

Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Oryn Keeley lead the second-row contest, but captain Tom Gilbert, who will return from a pec/shoulder injury in the trials, has already said he is training more in the back row than as a middle this pre-season.

The comeback of Gilbert, a certain starter against South Sydney on March 8, adds an extra dimension to the pleasant headache confronting coach Kristian Woolf.

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