Leilua's decision to commit to a new deal on Wednesday until at least 2020 looms as a trigger for a long list of players to follow as the Raiders continue a retention drive to keep the squad together.

Skipper Jarrod Croker, Josh Hodgson, Blake Austin, Shannon Boyd, Adian Sezer and Josh Papalii are on a hit list of the club's stars who are off contract at the end of next year.

But rather than wait, the Raiders are ready to move on offers for the bulk of the squad and Leilua declared the ongoing pay dispute between the NRL and players was not a factor in his decision.

Leilua joins Jack Wighton as recent re-signings and the Raiders board is also negotiating with coach Ricky Stuart to keep the mentor in charge.

Leilua's extension is a massive boost before a crucial game against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday and also ends the enigmatic centre's journeyman status.

Leilua, 25, started his career at the Roosters in 2010 before shifting to Newcastle in 2013 and then on to the Raiders in 2015. By the end of his contract, Leilua will have spent five seasons at the Raiders.

More importantly, moving to Canberra has helped him find a settled life off the field after struggling in the bright lights of Sydney when he made his debut as a teenager.

"It was the culture here ... that's what made me stay. I just love it," Leilua said.

"Canberra has become a home [for me]. I've got a family now and my little one loves it here, as does my [partner]. We'd like to stay here for a while.

"... I just love the place here and for me it was an easy decision. I just couldn't say no to Canberra because I love this place and what it's done for me on and off the field.

"I've grown into a man. When I first came here I was single and the culture of this place is family, I found a family for myself and I've grown, become a better person and a better man.

"For that, I just want to give back as well. There's a lot more improvement to come, you can always get better. As a team, we've got a lot of potential and if we build as a team, you don't know what's going to happen."

The Raiders are keen to continue re-signing players in the coming weeks, but uncertainty surrounding the salary cap has stalled parts of the process.

The players are still fighting for a greater share of revenue and have been unable to reach a deal with the NRL.

But Leilua was confident the core of the Raiders were keen to stick together to chase the club's first premiership since 1994.

"I don't read that stuff [about the salary cap] to be honest," Leilua said.

"For me it's just about playing footy and enjoying my time here. You've only got a short career so you've got to enjoy it while you can."

The Raiders will play the Panthers in Bathurst as the teams battle to spark their season and force their way into the top eight.

Leilua has formed a devastating combination with Jordan Rapana in the past two seasons, with the centre-wing duo terrorising opposition defenders.

They have scored a combined 20 tries this season and their partnership will blossom after Rapana committed to a deal until the end of 2019.

Wighton believes Leilua's decision to re-sign is proof the Raiders have broken the reputation of losing good players to rival teams.

"Joey re-signing is great, he's one of the most damaging centres in the comp," Wighton said.

"I think for Joey, [signing a new deal] will put his mind at rest and now he can focus on football and what's ahead of him for us as a team.

"It's always good to have a bit of stability. The Raiders have always been known as bringing good players through and then losing them.

"But at the moment we've got a heap of good players and we're starting to keep them. We've got the stability to work with and something to build on."

NRL ROUND 14

Saturday: Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders at Carrington Park, Bathurst, 5.30pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2.

Raiders team: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Sia Soliola, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Luke Bateman. Interchange from: 14. Adam Clydsdale, 15. Royce Hunt, 16. Clay Priest, 17. Joe Tapine, 18. Scott Sorensen , 19. Brent Naden, 20. Dave Taylor, 21. Kurt Baptiste.

Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamou, 9. Mitch Rein, 10. Reagan Campbelle-Gillard, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Isaah Yeo, 13. Trent Merrin. Interchange from: 14. Tyrone Peachey, 15. Leilani Latu, 16. Tim Browne, 17. Viliame Kikau, 18. Sitaleki Akauola, 19. Sione Katoa, 20. Moses Leota