The Canberra Raiders have reportedly released outside back Manaia Waitere to the Melbourne Storm in a move that opens up a roster spot for the potential immediate arrival of Coby Black from the Broncos. Black has signed with Canberra from 2027, but the young half has asked the Broncos to be released from his 2026 contract so he can make an immediate move to the Raiders.
The Canberra Times reported on Monday night that Brisbane have agreed to release Black straight away. Yahoo Sport Australia has contacted the Broncos for comment.
The Melbourne Storm, Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos have all made moves. Image: AAP
To make room in their top-30 roster for Black, the Raiders have reportedly granted Waitere an immediate release. The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Waitere will link up with the Storm to provide Craig Bellamy some depth in their outside backs.
Waitere has played one game at NRL level – in Round 27 this year when the Raiders rested the majority of their first-grade team ahead of the finals. He featured prominently in Canberra’s NSW Cup team, but was starved of opportunities at NRL level.
Manaia Waitere (L) has been released to join Melbourne, opening up a spot for Coby Black (R) to join Canberra from the Broncos. Image: AAP
Coby Black reportedly gets immediate release from Broncos
As for Black, it looks like the Broncos have granted his request for an immediate release. The 19-year-old was once viewed as Adam Reynolds’ long-term successor at halfback, but the Broncos are getting Jonah Pezet from 2027 instead.
Speaking last week, Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said: “Coby is a really good young fella and he’s got a bright future ahead of him wherever he is. Coby is contracted until the end of 2026 until that changes.”
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Raiders coach Ricky Stuart had stated he was happy for Black to remain in Brisbane in 2026 to learn from Reynolds, Ben Hunt and Ezra Mam. But with Jamal Fogarty leaving the Raiders for Manly, there might be an opportunity for Black to play first-grade in Canberra in 2026.
“Coby’s very keen to join the club in 2026, but it’s not a decision that comes down to me,” Stuart said on SEN radio. “I’m going to be fortunate either way. If he does join us, it’s going to be great for us and we get our opportunity to start coaching him a year early, but if not, I’m very happy for him to be under the guidance of Adam Reynolds in Broncos’ colours.
“He gets another 12 months under the guidance of Adam and Ben Hunt, who’s also a very experienced half. That’s the type of opportunity and experience that young halves can only gain from… but there has been talk about it, but honestly, I just don’t know where it’s at.”