LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Canberra Raiders and coach Ricky Stuart have suffered another setback as promising young halfback Keahn Skipps has left the club to sign with the Penrith Panthers. The departure follows Jamal Fogarty's recent signing with Manly, further depleting the Raiders' playmaker options.
As reported by The Daily Telegraph, the team was informed that Skipps was feeling homesick and had requested a release several times this year. Originally from the Gold Coast, Stuart had anticipated that Skipps would sign with a Queensland club instead of departing to another New South Wales team.
Despite the Raiders initially denying multiple requests for a release, they ultimately relented. However, Skipps opted for a three-year deal with the Panthers rather than returning to his home state.
Stuart had reached out to legendary Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston in an effort to persuade Skipps to remain with Canberra. Thurston, who was coached by Stuart during their time together at the Bulldogs, spoke with Skipps about the challenges of living away from home, but failed to sway him.
Skipps' new contract with Penrith places him under the mentorship of four-time premiership-winner Nathan Cleary. It's possible that Skipps could make his debut in first grade if Blaize Talagi does not secure the five-eighth position, especially amid ongoing speculation about Cleary's potential move overseas to be closer to girlfriend Mary Fowler.
With the loss of both Skipps and Fogarty, the Raiders find themselves in a challenging position. However, there's optimism as young talents Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders are emerging. Strange recently excelled in a 28-12 victory over Manly, and Stuart is confident that more successes are on the horizon.