The off-season retention drive at the nation’s capital continued today, with front-rower Ata Mariota and outside back Michael Asomua re-committing to the club until 2026.
Mariota, who earned an NRL debut in 2022 and Raiders Rookie of the Year this season, has penned two more years to his current deal, while Asomua’s extension includes being elevated from the development list to the top 30 squad from 2025 onwards.
Mariota has remained on an upward trajectory following a superb 2022, which saw him selected in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Team of the Year and named Canberra’s NSW Cup Player of the Year.
He went on to make 16 NRL appearances in 2023 and certainly showed he’s capable of handling the role of first-grade prop.
Asomua continued his rise through the Raiders’ lower grades this year, and with his current form could mean and NRL debut is “right around the corner” according to Raiders NRL Recruitment Manager Joel Carbone.
The 20-year-old winger also played a starring role for the 2022 CABE NSW Under 19s team, scoring a double in the 32-4 win over Queensland at Leichhardt Oval.
“It’s always incredibly exciting to have players who have graduated from our junior representative teams reach the NRL with the Raiders and both Ata (21) and Michael (20) are great examples of that,” Carbone told raiders.com.au
We’re excited to see them continue their development and stay with the club until the end of 2026.”
