Former Wallaby Matt Giteau has joined Canberra’s coaching staff to help with their pathways system in a huge coup for the Raiders.

The Green Machine has also brought in premiership winner Dale Finucane to help lead their next generation of talent.

Giteau played 103 Tests for Australia in rugby union but will play a key role in the 13-man code after agreeing to help Canberra’s Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup programs, as well as the Raiders academy, on a part-time basis.

He’ll be joined by former Storm hard man Dale Finucane whose career was ended prematurely by repeated head knocks, as well as former Raiders playmaker Matt Frawley as specialist coaches.

Giteau’s father played four seasons for the Radiers, while his brother Justin was part of their 2023 reserve grade squad and is a current assistant coach.

“To be involved with the Raiders is very special. It’s only a small and limited capacity, but I’m honoured to be here especially given the history of my father and brother being involved as well,” the gifted playmaker said.

“I’ll be more attack focused – catch and pass, ball handling, decision making and skills specific training. It’s also great to connect with guys like Dale and Matt and work with them.”

Finucane will be a wonderful asset for the club’s emerging forwards, with the hard-nosed lock set to go down as one of Storm coach Craig Bellamy’s favourite players of all time.

“Obviously living relatively close to Canberra, it was a really good fit for me. I’ll be specialising in more defensive wrestle specific training,” he said.

“I particularly enjoy working with this age group of 16-20 year olds where everyone is wanting to get better and aspiring to play NRL. To be able to impact those guys and see their progression is really exciting.”

The appointments come a few weeks after the Raiders held a coaching forum where knowledge and techniques was passed down to junior reps teams, the Raiders academy and other local clubs to ensure their pathways system is aligned.

Originally published as Giteau goes green: Wallabies legend Matt Giteau and NRL hard man Dale Finucane join Canberra’s coaching staff