The Canberra Raiders have re-signed local junior Nick Cotric for a further two seasons, with the NRL rookie of the year secured in Canberra until the end of the 2020 season.

Cotric, who collected the Raiders the NRL and Raiders rookie of the year awards had an electrifying start to his NRL career, playing all 24 matches for the Raiders in 2017, scoring 16 tries.

The 18-year-old outside back said he’s excited to remain in Canberra and said the support he’d received in his first season had been a huge help in his decision.

“It’s been a massive year being able to make my NRL debut and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Cotric said. “The boys have been a huge help for me and it helped me make my decision to re-sign. There’s been heaps of support from the team and club and I’m looking forward to continuing to play for the Raiders.”

Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club was thrilled to retain Cotric and said it was great to see another local talent progress into the NRL.

“Nick’s had a huge first season in first grade and the clubs proud to have a player who grew up in Canberra recommit to the club,” Furner said. “We pride ourselves on developing talent and Nick is one of the best upcoming talents in the game.”