Canberra Raiders NRL News

Thu, 3rd September, 2026, 14:27 AEST
How the Raiders blew up the Chiefs' $900k tax-free loophole in battle for Hudson
The Canberra Raiders strategically offered Hudson Young a $3.3 million contract to counter the PNG Chiefs' interest, satisfying both the player and the NRL.
The Canberra Times
Never mind a battle between the Canberra Raiders and the PNG Chiefs, this was a battle between David and a tax-free Goliath.
But, touch wood, the Raiders appear to have played it perfectly to sit in the box seat to re-sign future captain Hudson Young.
Their plan to go hard, go public and go early looks to have staved off the Chiefs' raid for Young.
It wasn't as simple as the Raiders making a massive offer to counter the fact PNG players won't pay any tax - the offer also needed to satisfy the NRL it was feasible as Young's market value.
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Wed, 2nd September, 2026, 18:45 AEST
Green room: Raiders' new Mal named for debut and re-signs same day
Malachi Smith received a contract extension and is set to debut for the Canberra Raiders against the Cowboys, alongside Coby Black.
The Canberra Times
On Tuesday, he was named to make his NRL debut. And he had a contract extension signed the same day.
Welcome to the whirlwind that has been Malachi Smith's week.
Smith flew to Townsville on Wednesday to prepare for his NRL debut, which will come against the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday.
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Mon, 31st August, 2026, 17:15 AEST
'Scary': Matt Timoko reveals how close he came to exploring other NRL options
Matt Timoko faced a career crossroads but re-signed with the Canberra Raiders amid player exits, securing his future until 2028.
The Canberra Times
Canberra Raiders centre Matt Timoko has revealed he was at a "scary" crossroads in his career, but a "crazy" turn of events helped him re-sign with the Green Machine.
The Raiders' team song leader officially locked in another year at the club in an announcement on Monday, with an additional player option to remain in Canberra until the end of the 2028 season.
There have been more exits than signings at the Raiders of late with club legend Josh Papali'i (retiring), and forwards Corey Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies (Perth Bears) all set to play their last game in green on Saturday against the Cowboys.
So Timoko's re-signing will be welcome news to fans, but his future in Canberra was a little uncertain earlier in the year.
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