BY Dan

The Canberra Raiders have managed yet another smart acquisition, penning Sione Finau’s signature to a three year deal with the club, according to the Daily Telegraph.

In a vacuum this is a great pick up. Finau is exactly the kind of outside back Ricky Stuart loves. He’s got a decent clip on him, he eats yardage like Shooter McGavin eats pieces of shit for breakfast. He can – theoretically – cover multiple positions in the backline. This is a Ricky Stuart OB. In cup this year he’s had 12 line breaks in 12 games, and averages 3 tackle busts along with 130 odd metres. At just 23 it there’s plenty of elastic in the band of potential. Three years is a good amount of time to get a look at him, and keeps him on the same trajectory as the rest of the roster.

Within the scope of needs for the club its a big win. The Raiders have been treading a tight-rope this year after injuries to Savelio Tamale and Albert Hopoate. They’ve desperately needed another first grade quality back and just didn’t have one ready in the stable.

Going forward not only will Finau push Xavier Savage and Savelio Tamale directly, but he’ll also allow those players to be used in different ways, expanding the range of options the Raiders can use in the back five. Xavier Savage can back up Kaeo Weekes in a more like for like backup scenario. Tamale would be able to be used at centre should it be needed. The depth introduces options that haven’t been available this season.

There are downsides to this deal. In effect it’s a rejection of the existing depth. Michael Asomua hasn’t had the best year in Cup footy. We’d expected him to be pushing for first grade by now and he’s just not. The club clearly is unsure of what he’ll become. He’s due to come into the top 30 next year and they’re recruiting more players at his position. That’s not a good sign.

Albert Hopoate is currently without a roster spot for next season and there may not be one available. Don Furner has mentioned before that the club wants to keep him around, but in what capacity and contract status will be a key question. It’s hard to think a ‘veteran’ like Bert will want to be the backups backup. Only time will tell. Hopoate is a good footy player, and his workload alone will get him into most first grade squads. But the upside of Finau is a smart bet to lay.

It’s also indicative that Jed Stuart is seen as a fringe player not a big hitter. That’s congruent with what we’ve seen in first grade. He’s not a subtraction but also not an addition to whatever is happening on the field. That’s useful for depth, but Finau is more than that.

In short Canberra are getting a talented winger with plenty of upside, likely on a team friendly deal after Ricky Stuart’s faux outrage of the talks leaking. Finau meets an existing need and offers upside beyond that. That’s the good business that top clubs do.

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