Former Wallaby Matt Giteau has joined Canberra\u2019s coaching staff to help with their pathways system in a huge coup for the Raiders.<\/p>\n
The Green Machine has also brought in premiership winner Dale Finucane to help lead their next generation of talent.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup programs, as well as the Raiders academy, on a part-time basis.<\/p>\n
He\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
Giteau\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be involved with the Raiders is very special. It\u2019s only a small and limited capacity, but I\u2019m honoured to be here especially given the history of my father and brother being involved as well,\u201d the gifted playmaker said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be more attack focused – catch and pass, ball handling, decision making and skills specific training. It\u2019s also great to connect with guys like Dale and Matt and work with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finucane will be a wonderful asset for the club\u2019s emerging forwards, with the hard-nosed lock set to go down as one of Storm coach Craig Bellamy\u2019s favourite players of all time.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously living relatively close to Canberra, it was a really good fit for me. I\u2019ll be specialising in more defensive wrestle specific training,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n