The Canberra Raiders are actively shaping their long-term roster strategy, taking decisive steps to secure crucial young talent ahead of the 2027 NRL season. In a roster management move designed to maintain stability amidst upcoming personnel changes, the nation’s capital club is set to lock in promising front-rower Ata Mariota on a multi-year contract extension, while also activating a club option to keep dynamic back Chevy Stewart in Green Machine colors.
While transfer market activity across the league has been fast and furious, the Raiders have maintained a relatively low profile regarding their 2027 squad composition. With up to nine spots available on their top squad list, Canberra had previously reported zero confirmed external signings or official departures for that campaign. These two retention moves represent a deliberate strategy to solidify the club’s core foundation before entering the broader player market.
Mariota Commits Long-Term as Forward Roster Shifts
Front-row prodigy Ata Mariota has officially committed his future to the Raiders, signing a contract extension that will keep him in the Australian Capital Territory through the end of the 2028 season. The commitment comes at a critical juncture for Canberra’s forward pack, which is bracing for significant transition in the engine room over the next eighteen months.
Mariota has steadily established himself as one of the most reliable and explosive young talents in Ricky Stuart’s forward rotation. His versatility has proved invaluable, seamlessly splitting playing time between the middle third and the edge depending on game circumstances and injury shortages. With extended security now locked in, the forward is primed to take on a far more influential leadership role within the squad as senior figures depart.
Evolving Middle Third Opens Door for Rising Star
The extension for Mariota arrives as Canberra prepares for high-profile departures in their front-row group. English international forward Morgan Smithies is expected to become the club’s first confirmed departure for 2027, heading to join the incoming Perth Bears franchise. Simultaneously, veteran leader Josh Papalii is nearing the conclusion of his decorated stint in Canberra, with a transition toward retirement or a final stint in the English Super League looking increasingly imminent.
These inevitable exits will dramatically alter the landscape of the Raiders’ forward pack. However, Mariota’s retention ensures seamless continuity. Alongside representative powerhouses Joseph Tapine and Corey Horsburgh, Mariota is heavily tipped to transition into a permanent starting role, giving Coach Stuart a formidable, physical middle unit capable of setting the benchmark for years to come.
Chevy Stewart Retained to Bolster Backline Depth
In addition to securing Mariota in the forwards, the Raiders are exercising their contract option on highly touted back Chevy Stewart. The young fullback and outside back has shown flashes of brilliance since breaking into the top squad, demonstrating the raw speed, competitive urge, and football instincts required to succeed at the highest level of rugby league.
Activating Stewart’s option ensures Canberra retains vital speed and versatility across their backline options. With fullback positions and backline spots heavily contested across the competition, keeping a high-potential prospect like Stewart in the system provides Ricky Stuart with tactical flexibility and depth as the Raiders prepare for their next premiership push.
Strategic Foundations Set for Future Growth
By prioritizing internal retention, the Canberra Raiders are laying a stable foundation before making external recruitment moves. Retaining key young talent like Mariota and Stewart sends a strong signal that the club relies heavily on its internal pathway and culture to drive future success.
With significant roster spots still open for 2027, Canberra management remains in a strong position to selectively target elite talent in the open market. However, by securing Mariota’s services through 2028 and extending Stewart, the Raiders have ensured that their rebuild is built on a solid, competitive core.