Canberra Bolster Pack Amid Forward Departures

Raiders sign Hunt and Hopoi for two seasons

Canberra's forward pack will undergo major changes after Josh Papalii's retirement and the departures of Morgan Smithies and Corey Horsburgh to the Perth Bears.

The Raiders have responded by signing Brisbane forward Jaiyden Hunt and Canterbury middle forward Lipoi Hopoi for 2027.

Both players agreed to two-year contracts, keeping them in Canberra through at least the end of 2028.

The double signing fills two of the nine positions remaining on Ricky Stuart's roster for next season.

"I'm really looking forward to having both of these guys join the club for the next two seasons," recruitment manager Chris Hutchison said.

"Jaiyden is a hard-working player and he will bring a lot of value and experience to the club, having been apart of a premiership squad last year.

"Lipoi is a player we've watched for years. He's another hard-working middle forward who is capable of playing big minutes and a player who we believe can make the next step in his young NRL career."

Hopoi, 24, has played 17 NRL matches for the Bulldogs since debuting in 2024.

Hunt has appeared 40 times in the NRL after progressing through NSW and Queensland Cup, beginning with St George Illawarra before spending two years on Brisbane's fringes.

Joseph Tapine, Ata Mariota and Matty Nicholson are expected to form Canberra's starting middle, with Myles Martin and Zac Hosking providing bench depth.

The recruits should therefore compete immediately for minutes as the Raiders seek a turnaround after falling from 2025 minor premiers to 2026 finalists.

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