Canberra Raiders to re-sign Sio Soliola and Siliva Havili, while Blake Austin remains in doubt
AFTER re-signing two of his biggest names, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart’s week got even better with the retention of two of his key forwards, although Blake Austin’s future remains in doubt.
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THE Canberra Raiders are poised to announce the retention of key forwards Sia Soliola and Siliva Havili on two-year deals.
In a week when the Green Machine re-signed big names Josh Papalii and Aidan Sezer on multi-year deals, the Sunday Telegraph can reveal the club is set to add Soliola and Havili’s signatures to the list.
Soliola has been a revelation in his 63 games since joining the Raiders in 2015.
On top of performing strongly on the field, the Auckland-born forward’s experience and attitude has been terrific for Canberra’s culture.
Now 31, the Raiders will look to keep Soliola in the nation’s capital for a maximum of two seasons.
Canberra are also close to announcing a two-year contract for back-up hooker Havili.
It’s understood the Tongan international’s deal is done and awaiting a final sign-off from his management.
Canberra remains undecided about five-eighth Blake Austin’s future. The club will meet with Austin’s manager in the coming weeks.
The Raiders are also weighing up the prospects of keeping forward Charlie Gubb, who won’t play against the Wests Tigers at Campelltown on Sunday after copping a one-week suspension for his late hit on Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary.
Despite Gubb’s absence, Canberra will be boosted by the return of hooker Josh Hodgson for the Tigers clash.
Hodgson hasn’t played since suffering an ACL knee injury during England’s World Cup semi-final clash against Tonga seven months ago.