Canberra Raiders News

Fri, 12th June, 2026, 15:28 AEST
The Broncos snub driving Canberra's next star on eve of debut
Coby Black might debut for the Raiders this weekend after leaving the Broncos, gaining coach Stuart's support.
Zero Tackle
Coby Black could finally get his long-awaited NRL debut this weekend after being named in jersey number 18 for the Canberra Raiders, but the young halfback admits he never expected his career path would lead him to the nation's capital.
With Ethan Strange away in State of Origin camp, Black is firmly in the mix to earn a first-grade opportunity should coach Ricky Stuart opt to rest either Ethan Sanders or Daine Laurie.
The potential debut comes almost six months after the 20-year-old made the difficult decision to leave the Brisbane Broncos, a move that left him with a point to prove.
From the moment Black arrived in Canberra, Stuart saw something special.
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Fri, 12th June, 2026, 13:48 AEST
Former Brisbane Broncos prodigy Coby Black speaks about controversial exit ahead of NRL debut for Canberra
Coby Black discusses his departure from the Broncos and thanks Ricky Stuart, as he prepares for his NRL debut with Canberra.
The Australian
Former Broncos prodigy Coby Black has lifted the lid on his explosive departure from Brisbane and thanked Canberra coach Ricky Stuart for helping save his NRL career.
Black, 20, is set to make his NRL debut for the Raiders on Saturday after being named 18th man for Canberra's clash with Parramatta in Sydney.
A potential first grade debut this weekend will cap a dramatic seven months for the former Queensland under-19s Origin halfback.
A Gold Coast junior, Black was signed by the Broncos as a 15-year-old and groomed to be captain Adam Reynolds' successor in Brisbane's famous No. 7 jersey.
However, the Broncos suddenly went cold on him last year and signed Melbourne playmaker Jonah Pezet to a long-term contract from 2027, following his one-season pit stop at Parramatta.
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Fri, 12th June, 2026, 11:54 AEST
Coach confirms enforcer's departure ahead of Eels duel
Josh Papali'i will not return to the Canberra Raiders next season, ending his impactful tenure, as confirmed by coach Ricky Stuart.
The Canberra Times
Coach Ricky Stuart has revealed veteran Canberra enforcer Josh Papali'i will not play for the Raiders next season, ending a glittering tenure with the NRL club.
The former Queensland prop extended his contract with the Green Machine for one year after they claimed the minor premiership last season, but hopes of the 34-year-old continuing with the club have been dashed.
When asked on Friday if Papali'i would stay in the nation's capital, Stuart said: "No, he won't be."
"You don't want to lose the investment we put into players like Josh ... We have a lot of young Polynesian boys in our club as well, and I know they look up to Papa as though he's their god," the coach added.
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