Sanders locked in, Black emerges in Raiders halfback battle
Ethan Sanders signed a three-year extension through 2028. His position now faces pressure from Coby Black, who excelled in his debut.
The Raiders re-signed halfback Ethan Sanders until the end of 2028. Sanders' breakthrough NRL season earned him Rookie of the Year.
Coach Ricky Stuart gave Coby Black the number seven jersey in the final game. Black is a 20-year-old Brisbane recruit who scored 26 points.
Black's 26-point debut was the most scored by an NRL debutant in 118 years of the competition. Sanders' contract ran through 2027 before the new deal.
Black's contract expires at the end of 2028. This sets up an intense off-season battle.
Separately, the Raiders hooker Tom Starling announced he is leaving to join English club St Helens.
- 22 years old
- Sanders' age
- 20 years old
- Black's age
- 26 (2 tries, 9 goals from 9)
- Black's debut points
- 118 years
- Record by NRL debutant
Why it mattersThe contract situation creates uncertainty over who leads Canberra's attack next year. This affects the team's structure and strategy.
AustraliaCanberra Raiders fans face an intriguing off-season question about their halfback future as two talented young players compete.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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