Canberra Raiders News

Thu, 6th August, 2026, 10:26 AEST
Bears' English raid continues, sign Canberra forward
Morgan Smithies has signed a three-year deal with the Perth Bears, becoming their fourth English recruit as they prepare for their return to the NRL.
The Canberra Times
Perth have signed Canberra toiler Morgan Smithies, but a marquee foundation player continues to prove elusive for the NRL's 18th team.
Smithies has inked a three-year deal and becomes the fourth Englishman to join the Bears for their return to the competition in Western Australia next year.
The 25-year-old's deal contains an option for two further seasons beyond that.
Smithies joined Canberra in 2024 and has become a mainstay of Ricky Stuart's forward pack, piecing together a strong 2025 campaign as the Raiders clinched the minor premiership.
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Thu, 6th August, 2026, 10:11 AEST
Raiders poach promising Bulldogs forward
The Canberra Raiders signed Lipoi Hopoi to strengthen their forward pack for 2027 after his limited opportunities with the Bulldogs.
Zero Tackle
The Canberra Raiders have bolstered their forward stocks for 2027, signing Lipoi Hopoi from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Struggling to find consistent first-grade minutes, it is being reported by the Daily Telegraph Hopoi will move to the nation's capital to further develop his career under Ricky Stuart and the Green Machine.
Only limited to 17 appearances for the Bulldogs, Hopoi has shown glimpses of an out-and-out star forward, but hasn't been given the opportunities in the top grade since his debut in 2024.
It's a slick move by Stuart and the Raiders to bolster their pack following Josh Papali'i's exit from the club at the end of this year, while Corey Horsburgh's future in the lime green remains up in the air.
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Thu, 6th August, 2026, 9:34 AEST
Perth Bears land Test forward on monster deal
The Perth Bears signed English forward Morgan Smithies from Canberra Raiders, adding British talent to their lineup.
Zero Tackle
The Perth Bears have announced the signing of English international forward Morgan Smithies from the Canberra Raiders.
Smithies' acquisition takes the tally of British talent in the Bears lineup to four, with the 25-year-old signing a three-year deal with an option for an additional two seasons.
The Raiders forward made a name for himself in the Super League with Wigan, playing 105 games before making the switch to the nation's capital in 2024.
He has now amassed 67 games of NRL experience, proving he has what it takes to excel in the premier rugby league competition.
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