Canberra Raiders Head Coach Ricky Stuart Targeting David Fifita to Replace Hudson Young as Lead Defenseman in the Back Row: “I Believe I Made the Best Decision”….
In a bold move that could reshape the Canberra Raiders’ forward pack, head coach Ricky Stuart has set his sights on Titans powerhouse David Fifita to fill the void left by Hudson Young, who recently departed the club. With the Raiders pushing toward a historic season, Stuart is making decisive calls to bolster the club’s defensive edge and back-row dominance.
“Hudson gave us plenty over the years, but moving forward, I believe I made the best decision for our structure,” Stuart said. “We need a player who can bring impact, intimidation, and consistency on both sides of the ball. David fits that mold.”
Fifita, who has been one of the NRL’s most destructive runners, is reportedly open to exploring opportunities outside the Gold Coast, especially with Canberra presenting a competitive squad and a clear leadership role in the forward pack.
Stuart is aiming to build a legacy beyond 2025, and acquiring Fifita would not only send a strong message to rivals but also solidify the Raiders’ intent to challenge for a premiership. Internal sources suggest that negotiations are in preliminary stages, but momentum is building rapidly.
With the Green Machine targeting history, this potential signing could be a defining moment in their campaign.
