Canberra re-sign Sanders amid halfback battle

NRL

Tom Starling has confirmed he will leave Canberra before completing the final year of his contract, announcing his decision in a social media post.

The hooker's departure comes after he fell behind Owen Pattie during the second half of the season. Reports have linked Starling with English Super League club St Helens.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have extended Ethan Sanders' deal through 2028, following his Rookie of the Year season.

Sanders said: "Two years ago, the club put a lot of faith in me to bring me down to Canberra. I can't thank Ricky enough for all the belief he's given me, and I just want to repay that now,"

"To win the Rookie of the Year was a huge surprise, but it's a testament to the players I have around me."

The 22-year-old began the season with four first-grade appearances, taking over after Jamal Fogarty left for Manly.

His kicking helped earn the award, but Canberra's halfback contest tightened when coach Ricky Stuart gave Brisbane recruit Coby Black the No.7 jersey for the final game.

Black, 20, scored 26 points with two tries and nine goals from nine attempts, the highest debut total in 118 years of the premiership.

Sanders' new deal and Black's contract both run through 2028, extending the competition for Canberra's first-choice halfback beyond next season.

Parramatta have also re-signed Junior Paulo through 2027, despite links between the forward and the Perth Bears.

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