Canberra Raiders left ‘fuming’ after key figure reportedly leaves Ricky Stuart to sign with RoostersCanberra’s astute recruitment has been a key part of their recent success.
Ricky Stuart have reportedly been left ‘fuming’ after a poaching raid by NRL rivals the Sydney Roosters. The Sydney Morning Herald reported over the weekend that Trent Robinson’s Roosters have moved to sign Canberra recruitment man Joel Carbone, and it hasn’t gone down well with the club.
The Raiders have been one of the biggest success stories of the season and currently sit second on the ladder, just two points off competition frontrunners Canterbury. That’s despite Canberra being afforded one less bye than the Dogs and the third-placed Warriors, and two less than fellow top-four rivals Melbourne, who have already had three byes.Carbone’s exit means the Raiders will have to find someone else to continue what has been a successful strategy for the club. Canberra have often found themselves at a disadvantage to rival clubs when trying to attract talent to the nation’s capital and it will be no easy task to build on the foundations that Carbone has helped lay. The introduction of the NRL’s two newest teams, the Perth Bears in 2027 and PNG the following year, will only add to the challenge.
The Raiders can take some solace in the fact that much of their current roster is locked down in at least the short to medium term. It’s understood that discussions have also commenced for a number of players who are not yet tied down in longer-term deals.
