A new generation of potential Raiders stars is being assembled by the club as it begins to pick out the green shoots from a wretched 2021.
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Speedster Matt Timoko is the latest outside back to be squared away, after he signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until at least 2024.
His signature follows a host of developing players the Raiders hope will become the next generation to ultimately replace an ageing Canberra backline.
Fijian flyer Semi Valemei has also recently penned a deal to the end of 2024, as has Sebastian Kris, while the electrifying Xavier Savage, who was set to make his debut at fullback against Manly on Thursday night, has been locked in until at least 2023.
The club has also opened preliminary discussions with young centre Harley Smith-Shields, who debuted in the 2020 season, and who is off contract at the end of this year.
"It's a credit to our development and our recruitment with Peter Mulholland that we've got these young players that can come through and get this opportunity, there's a number of these players," Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said.
"We're in a bit of a transition period there if you could say it that way with a lot of these younger players. It's good for them to get that opportunity.
"I'm excited for Xav [Savage] too. I've said it all before, when you debut young players you're excited for them, it's a good part of coaching."
The Raiders are facing the prospect of major changes to their backline in coming years as a number of loyal servants near the ends of their NRL careers.
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Veteran co-captain Jarrod Croker, who has missed a large chunk of this season through injury, is contracted until 2023. Jordan Rapana signed a one-year extension late last season which gets him through to the end of 2021, while halfback Sam Williams' contract also expires at the end of this year.
The club is still actively searching for a long-term halfback to replace departed Englishman George Williams, while the immediate future of Curtis Scott remains up in the air after an incident at a Canberra nightspot. The NRL's Integrity Unit is yet to release its findings into the matter.
"Its great to be able to stay in Canberra, I love it here and I believe it's the best place for my career," Timoko said after re-signing.
"I'm happy to do whatever I need to do to help the team and I'll be working hard for the rest of this year and the next three to try and cement a place in the NRL side.
"I also wanted to stay and repay the club for everything they've done for me and my mum and by helping us make the transition to living in Canberra. It's our home now and we don't want to go anywhere else."
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James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
