Either way they tell the story of why the English international wants to stay in Canberra until at least the end of 2022.

The scooter is a symbol how how the Canberra Raiders have become Whitehead's tightknit family on the other side of the world.

The new contract is a reward for being one of the Green Machine's most consistent players over his 98 games since arriving in the capital three years ago.

But the biggest driver for his decision to stay in the NRL and resist the temptation of returning to England was lime green potential.

"Hopefully we can do something special at this club," Whitehead said.

"Since I got here it's been building and building. I didn't want to leave and miss out on that, so I'm happy I'm still here.

I didn't really want to go anywhere else. What the club has done for me and my career has been awesome, hopefully I can rip in over the next few years."

The Raiders re-signed Whitehead and fellow English recruit Ryan Sutton on the eve of their week-one finals clash in Melbourne, despite the pair having existing contracts until the end of 2020.

They join co-captain Josh Hodgson in making a long-term commitment to Canberra, while John Bateman has two seasons left on his contract and George Williams will arrive later this year to complete a five-man UK contingent.

Whitehead is already a part of the Raiders' family and his scooter is evidence of that.

His teammates surprised him with the birthday gift last week after his scooter was stolen earlier this year.

The real scooter arrived at Raiders headquarters before training on Wednesday, capping off a perfect day for the 30-year-old.

"It's on charge. She's looking brand new, hopefully I get on board today," Whitehead beamed.

"Everyone gets along with each other. Sometimes I have been in teams where people keep to themselves. But from the youngest player here to the oldest, we can all just spend time with each other. It doesn't matter who you're with."

One player Whitehead can't escape is Bateman. The pair lived together when Bateman arrived in Canberra this season before eventually finding his own place ... next door.

"I'm really close with John, really close, too close to be fair," Whitehead said.

"He literally lives behind me and I grew up with him when he first came through at Bradford. I've known him for many years now and he is a great player, he has shown that this year.

"He doesn't come over as often now. He lived with me for the first couple of months and then he said 'I'm getting my own place'.

"I thought he was going to move away, not just behind me. Literally, my back garden goes into his back garden. He doesn't come around too often, he keeps to himself and I think he likes his own little bit of space. It's always handy just having him around the corner."

Sutton is equally has happy to be staying in Canberra after taking a chance this year.

The 24-year-old is the only Englishmen at the Raiders yet to play international rugby league, but his 20 games this year have shown he's ready to step up.

"If you'd said [I'd re-sign with Canberra] at the start of the year, I wouldn't believe you," Sutton said.

MORE RAIDERS NEWS

"I'm really happy the coaching staff have given me the opportunity to sign again for the next few years.

"It's been a bit of a learning curve this year and it's been pretty tough. But I feel like I've got my foot in the door, even though I didn't expect too much.

"When my mum and dad game over in May to see what it's like [in Canberra] ... you want your parents approval for most things and as soon as they saw how good of a place it was, it took a big weight off my shoulders. I realised it's a good place to stay and I'm loving it, so why change?"

The Raiders are still working with Jordan Rapana in the hope he will turn down lucrative Japanese rugby offers to stay in Canberra for the coming seasons.

Coach Ricky Stuart has also signed a contract extension until the end of 2023, which will make him the longest-serving coach in Raiders history.

"That's great news for Ricky. He has done a great job since I have been here over the past four years and hopefully he can keep building and keep improving. That starts this week," Whitehead said.

Hodgson added: "It's massive. It's certainly good for the club having someone like him about, a guy who cares so much for the club.

"He cares about the community and the city ... Stability means you can plan. It was a no-brainer to re-sign him."