We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
What Hohepa Puru lacks in size, he makes up for with heart.
The Canberra Raiders lock has set his sights on establishing himself in the NRL side next year, having got his foot through the door at the back-end of the 2023 campaign.
The Canberra Times revealed Puru had re-signed at the start of November, with the Raiders officially announcing it on Wednesday.
The Canberra Raiders have secured the services of young forward Hohepa Puru for the 2024 season, with an option to extend into 2025.
Puru, who made his NRL debut in 2023, had an impressive season at NSW Cup level for the club.
Known for his versatility, he can play in multiple positions including lock, hooker, and in the halves, providing valuable options for the team.
Puru expressed his excitement for the challenge ahead and is eager to increase his game time in the NRL in the upcoming season.
There's plenty of commentary around the so-called 'favourable draw' for the Canberra Raiders in the 2024 NRL season. The Raiders only play the Panthers, the Broncos and the Storm once next season, with two games against the Warriors.
Of the other teams that finished in the top eight in 2023 - Newcastle, the Sharks and the Roosters - the Raiders will play them twice in 2024.
That's 11 games for the Raiders in the 27-round 2024 season against top eight teams from last year.