Canberra Raiders’ Centre of Excellence taking shape

First look at the Green Machine’s state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence which is on track to open in February next year.

• Most powerful leaders
• Former teacher sexually abused student
• Comanchero ‘resigns’ from gang
• Most powerful donors, lobbyists

The Canberra Raiders’ long-awaited Centre of Excellence is taking shape with the “world class” facility set to open in February.

The $19 million facility is being built at the Green Machine’s spiritual home in Braddon on Torrens St off Elouera St, just a 10 minute drive to the CBD.

Canberra Raiders' coach Ricky Stuart tours the new facility. Picture: Kate Christian

ACT deputy chief minister Yvette Berry and NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg were among government and NRL officials who toured the two storey complex on Tuesday.

The ground floor features a player’s area with a strength and conditioning gym complete with a running track and player’s lounge which leads out onto the oval and artificial turf.

The new gym will include a strength and conditioning area.

There’s also physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and nutrition areas, a video analysis room and a central foyer.

The second level hinges on administration and corporate facilities which will include conference areas and a theatrette.

The theatrette takes shape.

When the oval isn’t being used for elite sport, it will be open to junior rugby league teams and female players.

Mr Greenburg said for a long time the Centre of Excellence was a “dream and a hope” for the Raiders’ board and now it had turned into a reality.

Former Canberra Raiders Captain Alan Tongue walks through the building site. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)

“It’s going to be a spectacular facility for kids across this community who will be able to aspire to play for the Raiders so a very big thankyou to the ACT Government,” he said.

“We have 16 professional franchises and this will be one of the best there is in the game.”

An artist impression of what the Canberra Raiders' Centre of Excellence will look like when finished.

He said the new facility would be a key retention strategy for the club.

“Players want to train and play in the best environments and the Canberra Raiders now have that exact offering for their players.”

Upstairs will become a corporate and administration area.

Ms Berry said rugby league had “no borders” and she hoped the new complex would give some hope to young people in regional areas that they can aspire to play with the Green Machine one day.

NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg, centre, with Canberra Raiders Chief Executive, Don Furner and Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro described the complex as “world-class” and he hoped to “see the cup here in Braddon” come February when it opens.