Canberra Raiders NRL News

The Canberra Times

Michael Maguire is set to replace Brad Fittler as NSW State of Origin coach after being offered a one-year deal to take over the Blues from 2024.

The premiership-winning coach is yet to put pen to paper on a deal, but AAP has been told he has spoken to the NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) board and is expected to take up the offer.

It is also understood Canberra have given their assistant coach their blessing to take up the role, but it would likely mean he would have to step down from his role as a Raiders assistant coach.

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LeagueNews.co

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has acknowledged the significant challenge that lies ahead for his team, as they are set to lose almost 1000 games of experience by the end of next season.

The retirement of veteran centre Jarrod Croker, who played an impressive 307 games for the Raiders, and the departure of experienced playmaker Jack Wighton, who has moved to South Sydney, will leave a significant void in the team.

Additionally, fellow Raiders veterans Jordan Rapana and Elliott Whitehead are also expected to retire at the end of the next season, further depleting the team's experience.

Stuart has been frank about the magnitude of the task that his team will face in the coming year, stating, "There is an enormous amount of experience that we'll be losing and it's going to be a very challenging period for us as a club." However, he remains optimistic and sees this period as an opportunity for growth and development.

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The Canberra Times

It's the Canberra Raiders contract clause that could lock in their enforcer for a 15^th NRL campaign.

Raiders big bopper Josh Papali'i is contracted to the Green Machine for 2024, but he has an option in his favour for the following season as well.

Similar to what retired co-captain Jarrod Croker had in his final contract, The Canberra Times can reveal Papali'i can activate that option if he plays 75 per cent of games across 2023-24.

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