The Canberra Raiders’ ambitious plans to overhaul their forward pack have hit a significant roadblock. Despite intense negotiations and widespread reports of a looming agreement, the club has officially confirmed that the high-stakes signing of a highly-rated second-row forward from the South Sydney Rabbitohs will not proceed. The collapse of the multi-year deal represents a major setback for Ricky Stuart’s 2026 roster strategy.
For weeks, the “Green Machine” appeared to be the frontrunners for the South Sydney enforcer, who has been widely tipped as a future representative star. However, as the deadline for a formal announcement approached, the deal unraveled due to a combination of registration hurdles and a late, aggressive counter-offer from the Rabbitohs’ front office.
Anatomy of a Transfer Breakdown
The Raiders had reportedly tabled a lucrative contract designed to lure the versatile forward to the nation’s capital with the promise of immediate first-grade leadership. Sources close to the club suggest that while personal terms were largely agreed upon, the South Sydney Rabbitohs invoked specific clauses within the player’s current developmental contract to stymie the move.
The breakdown is a bitter pill for Canberra’s recruitment managers, Chris Hutchison and Joel Carbone, who have been working tirelessly to inject youth into an aging engine room. The failure to secure the signature means the Raiders must now pivot to their “Plan B” in a rapidly shrinking transfer market, where high-quality second-rowers are increasingly rare.
The Rabbitohs’ Retention Win
In Redfern, the news of the collapsed deal has been met with quiet relief. The Rabbitohs have faced a challenging 2025 off-season, losing several depth players to rival clubs. Retaining one of their most promising young forwards on a renewed multi-year commitment is being seen as a vital win for the club’s long-term stability.
The player in question is expected to remain a core part of the Rabbitohs’ transition under their current coaching staff, with a path to a Top 30 roster spot now clearly defined. By successfully fighting off the Raiders’ advances, South Sydney has sent a clear message to the league: their junior pathways are no longer “easy pickings” for interstate rivals.
What’s Next for the Green Machine?
The Raiders are no strangers to recruitment drama. Following the high-profile exit of Jack Wighton to the Rabbitohs in recent seasons, the tension between the two clubs has remained high. This latest transfer failure only adds fuel to one of the NRL’s most persistent modern rivalries.
Despite this disappointment, Canberra remains active in the market. They have already secured several key signatures for 2026, including Jayden Brailey and Daine Laurie. However, the “hole” in the second row remains a pressing concern. Coach Ricky Stuart is known for his “no-nonsense” approach to recruitment, and the club is expected to re-enter the market immediately to find a physical middle forward who fits the gritty Canberra culture.
The Shifting 2026 NRL Market
As the 2026 pre-season looms, the competition for elite forwards is at an all-time high. With the Dolphins and Brisbane Broncos also clearing salary cap space, the Raiders face stiff competition for any remaining uncontracted talent. For now, the “Green Machine” fans will have to wait for a new hero to emerge as the club regroups from this unexpected recruitment miss.