We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Mackenzie Wiki thought she was going into Canberra Raiders HQ for a coffee and a chat.
But she was blown away by the NRLW contract that greeted her - ensuring a second generation of the famous Wiki name was at the club, following in the footsteps of her father Ruben.
And it wasn't just a famous name that was part of the Raiders' announcement on Friday, but one from a familiar pathway as well.
Canberra women's rugby league coaches are bracing for a boom in participation numbers off the back of the Raiders joining the NRLW competition, and clubs are already seeing the impact flow through.
The Canberra Times can reveal the Katrina Fanning Shield will be expanded this year, with three new teams joining the competition which starts on April 29.
It has forced competition organisers to split the Katrina Fanning Shield into two divisions. There will be seven teams in the top-tier division, and another four in the level below.
Croker hopes Raiders return can herald fresh start
Jarrod Croker admits he has been through some tough times during his lengthy absences from football but hopes his return can help Canberra rediscover their NRL mojo.
Raiders captain Croker played only 12 games in 2021 and just one in 2022 as he battled a string of knee and shoulder complaints, also toiling away in NSW Cup in an attempt to prove he still belonged at the Raiders.
All the hard work was made worth it in early April as the 32-year-old helped lift the Raiders to an upset win against previously unbeaten Brisbane.