Canberra has pulled off a shock attack on St George Illawarra, pinching five of the best up-and-coming players from the Dragons' ranks.
In an audacious move, the Raiders have lived up to their name by snaring five rising stars in a move that has infuriated the Dragons.
The five 18-year-olds were seen as part of the future plans of the Dragons - and at least six more quality youngsters have been signed by other clubs, as well.
The players who have made the move to the ACT are Country under-18s and Dapto fullback Jack Piccirilli, hooker Jaxon Lavender, the Dragons' under-18 player of the year from the Dapto Canaries, utility back Sean Trindall (Shellharbour Stingrays), fullback Judd Stevenson (Corrimal Cougars) and centre James Walsh (Albion Park).