The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have suffered a recruitment setback after the Canberra Raiders swooped in to sign a dynamic outside back recently released by the Penrith Panthers. The yet-to-be-named speedster, known for his blistering pace and positional versatility, had been on the Bulldogs’ radar following his unexpected departure from Penrith, where he struggled to break into the star-studded backline.
Canberra acted swiftly, offering a deal that promises immediate opportunities and a fresh start in the nation’s capital. The Raiders’ acquisition is seen as a major coup, adding depth and spark to their backline stocks ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs, who are continuing to rebuild under coach Cameron Ciraldo, now face the challenge of finding a suitable alternative. The club had identified the former Panther as a key target to bolster their back-three options but were outpaced by Canberra’s aggressive approach.
The player’s release from Penrith was reportedly mutual, aimed at giving him a better shot at regular first-grade football. For the Raiders, the signing injects youthful energy and adds a new attacking weapon as they look to return to finals con
tention.
