BY DAN

If reports are to be believed then the Canberra Raiders front office has been busier than a toddler with a permanent marker and a clean wall.

Recently they’ve signed Ethan Strange, Simaima Taufa, Zehera Temara, Sophie Holyman, Grace Kemp to extensions, lost James Schiller, continued to engage Trey Mooney in discussions and reached out to Ethan Sanders’ management for the definitely the very first time since the new EBA was signed.

The extensions to Strange, Taufa, Temara, Holyman and Kemp are wonderful news that sets critical foundation for the club for years to come for their NRL and NRLW sides respectively. Sanders too seems likely to come, another important piece in a puzzle that is being solved now, for later. But the other pieces are less certain, and worthy of discussion as to their utility and likelihood of staying. Most pressing among these is Trey Mooney, which conspicuously has no outcome. Yet.

Nic Cotric is another who talks have opened up with, as reported by The Canberra Times. When this was first reported it surprised me. Cotric has been so far down the depth chart this season that it’s felt inevitable he’d leave. Xavier Savage, ‘Bert Hopoate, James Schiller have all been used ahead of him at winger. Michael Asomua is coming through the ranks and starting on the wing ahead of him in Cup footy.

While the club is pushing him further down the chart it’s been admittedly confusing that both parties are potentially looking to extend his time. The departure of James Schiller does seem to open the door but that feels as likely to be closed by Jordan Rapana playing until he’s 50 (he’ll do it). He’d almost certainly have more opportunties at other clubs. The money is a thought but I can’t see how it’s much different in Canberra or elsewhere. Maybe Nic’s just desperate to stay close to the Dickson Noodle House. I can dig it. That laksa is special.

For the club having depth you can rely on is awesome. I love how the club is building its talent base but it can mean established players like Cotric (or Emre Guler) get pushed (and need to get pushed) to the end of the depth chart by younger talent. When that happens it’s unclear what factors interest them in staying.

For now we’ll assume the reporting is right that Cotric and the club are talking. That same report suggested they were talking to Schiller and well, that didn’t work out. Cotric is still only 24. There’s surely another act for him.

He’s not the only question still to be answered. Zac Woolford still sits at the end of the depth chart, job offers elsewhere and no pathway to first grade in Canberra. Peter Hola is in a similar position, and Hohepa Puru has an option for 2025 that he’d be well within his rights to not pick up. Corey Harawira-Naera and Elliott Whitehead are likely both retiring, though for different reasons.

There’s plenty of options and flexibility in this roster. There’s more decisions to make and more work to do. The front office may be busy but it won’t get quieter for the front office any time soon.

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