One Raider locked in, another out as November 1 looms

Sebastian Tan |

Ethan Sanders is staying in Canberra after extending his deal with the Raiders.
Ethan Sanders is staying in Canberra after extending his deal with the Raiders.

The battle to become Canberra’s first-choice halfback is set to intensify after the Raiders re-signed Ethan Sanders until the end of 2028.

Sanders was rewarded with a renewed contract after enjoying a breakout year with the Green Machine, where his dazzling kicking game earned him the NRL’s Rookie of the Year award.

It comes after the 22-year-old entered the season having played just four first-grade matches and had big shoes to fill as Jamal Fogarty had departed for Manly. 

NRL
It was a big season for Ethan Sanders and his career as he took charge in the Raiders halves. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

But after finding his groove in the NRL, coach Ricky Stuart added a twist when he opted to thrust Brisbane recruit Coby Black into the No.7 jersey for the final game of their campaign. 

The 20-year-old scored 26 points from two tries and nine goals from nine attempts, the most in 118 years of the premiership by a player on debut.

His performance has set up an intriguing off-season battle for who will become Canberra’s first-choice halfback next year.

NRL
Coby Black also made his mark when given an opportunity, setting up a fascinating 2027. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

But beyond the fray, Sanders’ contract also expired at the end of 2027 and come November 1, he could negotiate with rival clubs. 

On Thursday, the Raiders announced that he would stay for another year, but 2028 also happens to be when Black’s contract runs out, meaning the stoush for the playmaker position is set to be extended. 

“Two years ago, the club put a lot of faith in me to bring me down to Canberra. I can’t thank Ricky enough for all the belief he’s given me, and I just want to repay that now,” Sanders said.

“To win the Rookie of the Year was a huge surprise, but it’s a testament to the players I have around me.”

While one Raider put pen to paper, another, hooker Tom Starling, announced he was leaving the team. 

In a touching social media post, Starling confirmed he wouldn’t play out the final year of his contract amid rumours that he will sign with English Super League club St Helens. 

The decision comes after the 28-year-old found himself stuck behind young gun Owen Pattie in the second half of the year. 

Elsewhere, Parramatta re-signed Samoan Rugby League World Cup co-captain Junior Paulo until the end of 2027 after the forward was linked with the Perth Bears. 

AAP