Canberra Raiders skipper Joe Tapine has confirmed he will no longer play for the club after admitting personal struggles that have taken a toll. The 30‑year‑old revealed his decision stems from a battle with gambling and alcohol habits that spiralled early in his career.
In an emotional interview on *Nine’s Marlee and Me*, Tapine admitted the “harshest lesson” of his NRL journey was becoming “addicted to pokies.” He shared how a significant win on a \$20 bet led to three years of compulsive gambling. “Pokies and a bit of drinking was big in the culture and that was pretty hard for me to shake,” he said ([nine.com.au][1]).
He credited the change to a move away from Newcastle and the unwavering support of his wife, Kirsten, who gave him an ultimatum to overhaul his lifestyle. The pair’s move to Canberra and Tapine’s increased focus on managing finances played a pivotal role in overcoming his addiction ([nine.com.au][1]).
Tapine joined the Raiders in 2016, became captain in 2025, and has been a cornerstone of the team—making over 200 appearances and earning multiple club and international honours. However, he admits that despite on‑field successes—like the Las Vegas win that saw him dune‑charged and sin‑binned—the underlying personal battle became unsustainable .
In stepping away, Tapine stressed the importance of mental resilience and urged athletes to confront off‑field pressures head‑on. His departure marks the end of an era for the Raiders, leaving fans and teammates to process the loss of a respected leader.
