Canberra Raiders captain Joseph Tapine is reportedly set to ink a new deal that will see him finish his decorated NRL career with the Green Machine. The star prop, already contracted until the end of 2027, has exercised an option to extend his tenure by an additional season. This latest development signals a significant commitment from Tapine, who has become a cornerstone of the Raiders’ forward pack and a respected leader within the competition.
Sources indicate that Tapine has agreed to a new, locked-in contract that will keep him at the club until the conclusion of the 2028 season. Furthermore, this new agreement reportedly includes a player option for 2029, providing Tapine with the flexibility to extend his playing days even further should he choose. This move effectively ensures that the 31-year-old will remain a Raider for the remainder of his professional career, a testament to his loyalty and the club’s faith in his enduring impact.
Tapine’s continued presence is a massive boost for the Raiders, especially as they navigate the potential retirement of veteran prop Josh Papalii at the end of the current year. With Papalii likely moving on, Tapine will undoubtedly shoulder an even greater responsibility in leading the club’s formidable forward pack. His experience and leadership will be crucial in mentoring the next generation of Raiders forwards as they look to build sustained success.
Future Forward Pack Dynamics
Looking ahead, Tapine is expected to form a formidable middle rotation alongside emerging talents. Corey Horsburgh is anticipated to continue his role at lock, bringing his trademark aggression and work rate to the heart of the defence. Alongside them, the impressive youngster Ata Mariota is poised for a more prominent role. Currently coming off the bench in Ricky Stuart’s system, the 24-year-old Samoan international has shown significant promise and is expected to step up into a starting position.
However, the future of Ata Mariota remains a key talking point for Raiders fans. The young prop is off-contract at the end of this year, and as of yet, there have been no definitive links to him signing an extension. Recent inquiries made to his management regarding his contract status have yet to yield a response, leaving his future with the club uncertain. The Raiders will undoubtedly be keen to secure Mariota’s services, given his rapid development and potential to become a consistent NRL performer.
Tapine’s Raiders Legacy
Joseph Tapine has been a fixture at the Raiders since joining the club in 2016. In that time, he has amassed an impressive 239 NRL games, with a substantial 219 of those being in the iconic Green Machine jersey. If he remains fit and healthy, Tapine is on track to surpass the 300-game milestone in his NRL career. To achieve 300 games specifically for the Raiders, he would need to exercise his option for the 2029 season. This potential milestone further underscores the significant impact Tapine has had and continues to have on the club.
His commitment to the Raiders signifies more than just an extension of his playing career; it represents a deep connection to the club and its supporters. As captain, Tapine embodies the spirit and resilience of the Raiders, and his decision to remain in Canberra for the long haul will undoubtedly be met with widespread approval from the Raider Nation. His leadership, combined with the emerging talent within the squad, paints a promising picture for the club’s future prospects. The stability and experience he brings to the forward pack are invaluable assets as the Raiders aim to contend for premiership success in the coming seasons.
