NRL 2025: SuperCoaches to keep watch of English forward Matty Nicholson as he sets sights on starting Raiders role
England forward Matty Nicholson has touched down in Canberra and has his sights set on a starting spot in the Raiders pack, which will no doubt interest SuperCoaches planning early moves.
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George Williams and John Bateman didn’t exactly leave Canberra in a blaze of glory, but the Raiders may owe two of their former stars a debt of gratitude if their latest English import turns out to be as good as many expect.
Back rower Matty Nicholson arrived in the nation’s capital late last week and will begin training with the Raiders in coming days.
Before he snapped up the chance to switch to the NRL from Super League giants Warrington, Nicholson picked the brain of a handful of international teammates, including Williams and Bateman.
The pair played in Canberra but left in contentious circumstances before the end of their own respective deals.
Still, they had no hesitation in recommending Canberra to Nicholson as he weighed up his options earlier this year.
“I spoke to those two a lot about it,” Nicholson said.
“They were really good over here. All the English lads at Canberra seem to do well too.
“Both enjoyed it.
“I know it didn’t end well, but they both said when they were here, they both loved it.”
Nicholson’s deep dive into the Raiders went beyond Bateman and Williams.
He spoke at length with Warrington coach Sam Burgess, arguably the greatest English import to hit the NRL.
He also discussed the move with now Raiders teammate Morgan Smithies, who he has known since childhood and is now staying with as he settles into Canberra.
“Sam wanted me to stay another year, but he also understood when I said I wanted to have a fresh start,” Nicholson said.
“He was really good about it. He was at a similar age when he came over. He was really good with me, Sam. Nothing but good things too say about it.
“I am living with Morgs. We have known each other since we were little kids. We grew in the same part of Halifax, so I have known Morgan all my life.
“I speak to him every day. He had nothing but good things to say.
“That was a big reason I came too.”
Nicholson was a fixture in the Warrington side under Burgess, locking down a place in the back row and making his England debut last year.
His ascent caught the eye of NRL clubs and the temptation to test himself against the best was ultimately too good to resist.
Nicholson wants to make an impact and he has set his sights on securing a place in the Raiders back row, potentially replacing another Englishman in the recently retired Elliott Whitehead.
He has long harboured a desire to play in the NRL and at 21, he has time on his side.
He is confident homesickness won’t be an issue given he left home at 16 to chase his rugby league dream.
“I came here on my own,” Nicholson said.
“All my family are back home. I came through the junior ranks at Wigan so when I was 16, I moved out of the family home to Wigan.
“I have always been away from home really. I have been away from a young age really. It was difficult leaving family, but something I am kind of used to.
“I’ve grown up watching NRL and I think that’s the pinnacle of rugby league. The competition over here in my opinion is a lot better than Super League.
“I just wanted to challenge myself really and see how I go.”
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Originally published as NRL 2025: SuperCoaches to keep watch of English forward Matty Nicholson as he sets sights on starting Raiders role
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