England international Morgan Smithies has been offered a long-term extension by Canberra Raiders to take him off the open market and keep him at the NRL heavyweights.<\/p>\n
Smithies has been a revelation since moving to the NRL, becoming a star in the competition and for Canberra. He played a hugely influential role as the Raiders secured the Minor Premiership in 2025 after finishing top of the table.<\/p>\n
Smithies is the latest Englishman to flourish at Canberra after the likes of Elliott Whitehead and Josh Hodgson before him and now, the club are keen to ensure he remains with the Raiders.<\/p>\n
He is off-contract at the end of next season which means Smithies can negotiate with rival clubs already over a move elsewhere for 2027 should he so wish.<\/p>\n
But reports in Australia insist that the forward\u2019s preference is to stay with Canberra \u2013 and Raiders CEO Don Furner told the Canberra Times that they are hopeful of a swift resolution to the saga.<\/p>\n
Want more Love Rugby League? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> and ensure you never miss our exclusives and breaking news!<\/p>\n \u201cMorgan has just gotten back from overseas, so we\u2019re working through that one at the moment,\u201d he said. \u201cSo hopefully that can get done. Obviously we don\u2019t want it to drag on much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n Smithies has returned to Australia having played for England in this autumn\u2019s Ashes. He would have suitors on both sides of the world should he wish to test himself on the open market \u2013 but it appears it will be only a matter of time until his long-term future is resolved.<\/p>\n CHRISTMAS EVE READS ON LRL<\/p>\n Exclusive: Castleford Tigers line up swoop for leading Championship prop<\/a><\/p>\n Salford owner Q&A: Transfers, coaching plans, name change and long-term vision<\/a><\/p>\n Exclusive: Leigh Leopards face fight to retain star as rival Super League clubs circle<\/a><\/p>\n