LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Manaia Waitere made his NRL debut in Round 27 of the 2025 season and has reportedly signed with a new team after receiving an immediate release from the Canberra Raiders. Originally meant to be part of the Raiders' Top 30 roster for 2026, The Daily Telegraph has stated that Waitere's contract with the Raiders has been terminated, allowing him to join the Melbourne Storm for the upcoming season. This move aims to bolster the Storm's depth in the outside backs and halves positions.
Waitere, a junior from Cronulla, joined the Raiders at the beginning of 2024 and quickly became a notable player in their NSW Cup team. However, he struggled to secure a consistent role in the first-grade squad.
In contrast, recruit Sione Finau is eager to prove himself at the Canberra Raiders after transitioning from the St George Illawarra Dragons. Although Finau has mostly played as a winger in recent seasons, he is open to any position in the outside backs and is looking to challenge current centres Matthew Timoko and Sebastian Kris.
"I don't mind [centre or wing], but centre is probably a position I want to utilise," Finau shared with The Canberra Times. "I grew up playing a bit of centre, but a bit of wing as well. So I'm easy."