Double strike: Raiders set to land forwards, negotiations open with three more

The Raiders could be ready to announce five signings in the coming weeks.

The Canberra Raiders have reportedly confirmed the re-signings of Ata Mariota and Hohepa Puru.

Both players represent a significant chunk of Canberra’s planning long-term in the middle third, and are earmarked as part of the solution to replace Josh Papalii when he hangs up the boots, which could be as soon as the end of the 2024 season.

Mariota has more experience than Puru, having debuted at the end of the 2022 season with a single game, before playing 17 games in 2023, including starting in Canberra’s elimination final loss to the Newcastle Knights. That was arguably his best game in the top grade, running for 193 metres and living up to the billing and potential which has been placed upon him.

Puru, on the other hand, only has two NRL games under his belt, having debuted in Round 27 against the Cronulla Sharks.

Both players will likely play increased roles during 2024, and now, according to The Canberra Times, the club have locked up the juniors on new long-term deals.

A lack of strong options in the front row – particularly for immediate effect – exist on the market heading into 2025, so it was critical Canberra locked up both players.

The publication also reports that the club have placed an offer in front of young outside back James Schiller, and are in talks with forwards Pasami Saulo and Trey Mooney.

All three have spent time in the first-grade system in recent times, with Mooney a former junior Origin player. All three have big raps, and will form an important part of Canberra’s future.

Schiller could see more playing time in 2024 following the retirement of Jarrod Croker, and if not then, certainly in 2025 with Jordan Rapana also expected to hang up the boots.

Mooney and Saulo are both around the fringes at the Raiders, but could also see increased playing time in the years to come.

‘I wanted to go out with series win’: Whitehead announces international retirement

Raiders forward Elliott Whitehead has confirmed he will retire from international rugby league following England’s third and final Test against Tonga at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.

Whitehead will earn the 27th England cap of an international career which saw him debut against New Zealand in 2014, feature in both the 2017 and 2021 Rugby League World Cups, and also represent Great Britain on four occasions.

The Bradford-born back-rower famously prevented Tonga scoring in the dying stages of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup semi-final, forcing Andrew Fifita to knock-on and secure England’s place in that year’s final.

The 34-year-old scored 11 tries for England, including braces in the 2015 and 2018 victories over New Zealand as well as against Samoa and France in last year’s Rugby League World Cup.

“It has been a privilege to wear the England shirt as many times as I have – it’s the highest honour you can get,” Whitehead said of his retirement.

“I have had some really enjoyable moments representing my country, and some not so enjoyable but overall, I am really happy and proud of what I have accomplished on the international stage.

“However, with some fantastic young English players coming through, now feels like the right time for me to step aside and let them take their opportunity.

“I had considered international retirement last year, but I didn’t want to go out on the World Cup semi-final defeat, but now I get to finish my England career with a series victory.

“I want to say thanks to all of my teammates, coaches and staff who have been involved during my time with England and hopefully I can go out on another win this weekend.”

England coach Shaun Wane said it had been a pleasure to coach Whitehead.

“People had always told me how much they thought I would love to coach Elliott Whitehead,” Wane said. “When I became England boss I selected him and it immediately became clear to me what they meant.

“Elliott is a born-leader and has shown incredible desire, passion and work ethic every time he has worn the England shirt. He is the very epitome of a ‘Test match player’.

“It’s been a genuine pleasure to have Elliott involved with this team during my time in charge and I know how much the younger members of the squad have benefitted from his presence.

“I wish him all the best in his final season at Canberra and hopefully we can get the job done for him this weekend.”