‘Feels like home’: Raiders re-sign talented winger Savelio Tamale on a new two-year deal

An injury may have stalled his first year in Canberra, but Savelio Tamale has plenty of reasons to smile after he signed a new deal to remain with the Green Machine.

Young gun Savelio Tamale has been rewarded with a new two-year deal on the back of a stunning start to life in Canberra, including leading the rookie of the year race before he suffered a serious knee injury last month.

Tamale was already under contract for 2026 but has penned an extension that will keep the exciting winger at the club until the end of the 2028 season.

The 20-year-old played one game for the Dragons last year but has been one of the buys of the season, with the powerful winger scoring six tries in 14 games while also breaking at least 10 tackles on three occasions this year.

That includes the round 1 victory in Las Vegas where he ran for 201m, with Tamale emerging as one of the best wingers in the NRL this season before he suffered a dislocated patella against Souths in round 14.

Savelio Tamale was busy in Las Vegas! 💪 #NRLVegaspic.twitter.com/LqYmAOZO7L

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“The club has been unreal since the first day I got here, it really does feel like home now,” Tamale said, with the injury set to keep him out for at least another six weeks.

“It didn’t take long for it to feel like home because of all the people around me, all the staff, all the players, all the coaching staff, everyone’s been really welcoming. That’s a massive thing to me and I love the club for that.

“It’s been unreal since round 1 playing in Vegas, that’s a big stage, that whole week was a great experience, and to have the success we’ve had to start the season is something I’ve been proud to be a part of.

“The people around me have helped so much, everyone is so genuine, and I love playing footy for this club. With all the great players before me, it inspires me to be just like them and hopefully I can achieve what they have one day.”

Savelio Tamale has been one of Canberra’s most impressive players this year. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has put his faith in the club’s youngsters this season and has been rewarded, with his side on top of the table heading into the run home to the finals.

“Savelio has had a wonderful start to his career as a Raider and has shown us in his short time with the club what a talented and committed young man he is,” Stuart said.

“We look forward to seeing Sav continue his development with us and continue to grow with the squad that we have locked in for the future.”

Originally published as ‘Feels like home’: Raiders re-sign talented winger Savelio Tamale on a new two-year deal