NRL market watch: Raiders offer extension to Morgan Smithies, hold talks with Matty Nicholson
Canberra have stepped up their bid to keep their players amid the threat of a West Australian poaching raid, offering an extension to one of their forwards and holding talks with another. MARKET WATCH.
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Canberra have stepped up their bid to keep their table-topping side together after offering an extension to Morgan Smithies and holding talks with fellow Englishman Matty Nicholson.
It is understood the Raiders are also exploring the prospect of retaining Ata Mariota, who like Smithies and Nicholson is off contract at the end of next season.
All three shape as ideal targets for the Perth Bears as they prepare to enter the NRL in 2027 under the coaching of Mal Meninga, a man who knows the Raiders as well as anyone.
However, Canberra has moved to stave off a Meninga-inspired West Australian poaching raid by holding initial talks over long-term extensions for both Smithies and Nicholson.
The Raiders have also continued discussions in recent days with the management of young fullback Chevy Stewart and it is understood they may consider allowing him to leave at the end of the season – the Dragons are believed to be circling.
Stewart is regarded as one of the game’s emerging stars but his path to the No.1 jersey has been blocked by the outstanding Kaeo Weekes, who recently signed a long-term extension with the Raiders.
The future of forward Trey Mooney is also up in the air as the Raiders consider signing experienced prop Josh Papalii to an extension.
Mooney wanted playing time and was convinced to ignore a June 30 move because Papalii was expected to move to England at the end of the season.
However, Papalii has now had discussions over staying for another year, which may prompt Mooney to consider his future at the club.
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Originally published as NRL market watch: Raiders offer extension to Morgan Smithies, hold talks with Matty Nicholson
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