LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Canberra Raiders have officially announced the signing of Sione Finau, a young outside back from St George Illawarra Dragons, despite head coach Ricky Stuart's frustrations over a leaked meeting with Finau last July. Finau's decision follows a tour of the Raiders' facilities, and he has signed a three-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2028. This move reunites him with his former teammate and close friend, Savelio Tamale.
Finau's signing underscores the Raiders' focus on acquiring young talent and represents another loss for Shane Flanagan and the Dragons' roster. The 23-year-old joins a growing list of departing young talents, including Aaymon Fitzgibbon and Finau Latu.
Since making his NRL debut in 2024, Finau has participated in seven matches, scoring four tries. In 2025 alone, he recorded ten tackle busts, four line-breaks, and averaged 151 running metres across five appearances.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity, the door has been opened up, and I'm very grateful," Finau expressed. He added, "I feel I've adapted to the speed and fit in really well so far in first grade, and I think Canberra saw that attribute."
Though initially interested in playing as a center, he remains flexible, stating, "I was more so interested in probably giving centre a crack, but I'm happy wherever they put me. More so in that centre or wing spot, or anywhere in the back five."