The Canberra Raiders have today announced the re-signing of promising young forward Hohepa Puru for the 2024 season, including an option to extend in 2025.
The Windsor junior initially joined Canberra on a train-and-trial deal back in 2022 after captaining the Penrith Panthers Under 21s to a Jersey Flegg Cup Premiership.
Now Puru has secured a well-earned extension with the Raiders after impressing for the Green Machine in 2023.
This year Puru made 22 appearances for Canberra in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, recording three tries, two try assists, seven line-breaks and 26 tackle-busts.
He also averaged 133 run metres and 39.6 tackles per game as the Raiders reached the first week of finals in 2023.
Puru went on to make his NRL debut at lock in Round 27 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, before starting again the next week in Canberra’s Elimination Final clash with the Newcastle Knights.
Following Wednesday’s announcement, Puru was excited about what the future holds for his career in the nation’s capital.
“I’m in a great routine at training, the coaching staff are helping me, and the playing group talks to me really well,” Puru told raiders.com.au
“Making my debut this season was an awesome experience and I want to do my best to play more NRL games for the Raiders.”
