The Canberra Raiders have delighted fans with the announcement Wallabies legend Matt Giteau has joined the club, alongside NRL premiership-winner Dale Finucane and Matt Frawley. The Raiders are coming off an impressive season after Ricky Stuart led the young side to the minor premiership in 2025.
Veteran halfback Jamal Fogarty departed Canberra heading into the 2026 season, but Stuart has signed Dane Laurie and Coby Black.. And the Raiders are not just strengthening on the field, but off it as well.
Wallabies legend Matt Giteau and NRL premiership-winner Dale Finucane have joined the coaching staff of the Canberra Raiders. (Images: Getty Images/Canberra Raiders)
On Friday, the Raiders fans were delighted to find out ACT Brumbies and Wallabies legend Giteau has joined their coaching pathways team. NRL premiership winner Finnucane will also join the coaching crew. Giteau admitted he was delighted to have joined the team with longstanding family ties with his local club.
“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,” Giteau said in the club’s statement.
“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 added it was not a hard decision for him considering he lives close to Canberra. “Obviously living relatively close to Canberra, it was a really good fit for me. I’ll be specialising in more defensive wrestle specific training,” the former Melbourne Storm forward 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. Fans were thrilled with the coaching call considering the success and experience the stars bring with them from across two codes. Recently retired Wallabies great Nic White applauded Giteau’s move. Another fan wrote: “This is honestly elite.”
Coby Black released from Brisbane Broncos
Black had initially signed with Canberra from 2027, but the young half was then granted an early release by the Broncos so he can make an immediate move to the Raiders for 2026. Black is set to challenge Ethan Sanders for a playmaking position going forward.
“Coby is a great young player and we’re very excited to welcome him to Canberra this season and continue his development at the Raiders,” said Raiders recruitment manager Chris Hutchison said. “He has shown strong ability already, progressing through the ranks to debut in the Queensland Cup at the age of 18.”
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Jonah Pezet’s move to the Broncos in 2027 prompted Black’s decision to elave, despite being tipped as the future No.7 of the club. And Broncos coach Michael Maguire lamented the loss of the talented teenager. “We would have loved to have Coby here at the Broncos for 2026, but we acknowledge the opportunity that’s been presented to him,” Maguire said. “He’s a fantastic young man who’s been an absolute pleasure to coach and I truly hope our paths cross in the future.”