Oct 23rd, 2017

Oct 23rd, 2017

Raiders in cap trouble

Canberra is the latest club in salary cap strife, with the Raiders telling rival clubs they will need to shed one and possibly two players to get the numbers right for 2018.

Back-up hooker Kurt Baptiste is the first player the Raiders are attempting to move on, while there are suggestions they may even try selling off controversial centre Joey Leilua.

The Raiders could be forced to part company with centre Joey Leilua over salary cap concerns for 2018. (AAP)

The powerhouse Leilua was among the most dangerous centres in the competition in 2016 but had a season to forget this year and his poor discipline cost the Raiders dearly more than once.

Baptiste is in demand in England, but the Raiders would have to pay part of his salary to make the deal stick.

Tigers' young gun to replace Teddy

The Tigers believe they may have found the long-term successor to James Tedesco’s fullback role in young Shark Dylan Smith.

Tigers coach Ivan Cleary has signed the Australian Schoolboys star on a three-year deal and will place him in the fulltime squad next season despite the fact he is only 18.

From well-known league nursery Endeavour Sports High School in the heart of Cronulla territory, Smith also played for NSW Combined High Schools this year.

Fast and elusive, he could be one the Sharks regret letting slip through the net.

Raiders tell Carney no thanks

NRL outcast Todd Carney caught up with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart and several of his former Raiders team-mates at Jarrod Croker’s wedding a week ago.

Carney made his top grade debut for the Raiders over a decade ago before embarking on a colourful and controversial career.

Canberra have said thanks but no thanks to Todd Carney over a possible return to the club. (AAP)

The subject of a return to the club was discussed - and went as far as the Raiders board - before being knocked on the head.

Carney is still keen to finish his career back in the NRL and on his terms - and is prepared to play for as little as $100,000 to make it happen.

Campo plays with heavy heart

Former Canberra favourite son Terry Campese took the field for Italy in their World Cup trial against Tonga over the weekend with a heavy heart.

Only hours before the game in Innisfail, Campese’s aunt Corrina died after a long illness.

Corrina’s father hailed from Italy, part of the heritage that enabled Campese to represent the Azzuri in the tournament.

"Tonight Aunty is with me on the field and forever in my heart," Campese said on social media.

"Love to all my family. As Aunty did enjoy life."

Oates marries in to Broncos royalty

Corey Oates is already a beloved son of the Broncos - now the big winger is about to join Brisbane royalty.

Brisbane winger Corey Oates will marry into Broncos royalty when he weds Tegan Miles, the daughter of club legend Gene Miles. (AAP)

The try-scoring ace has announced his engagement to Tegan Miles, the daughter of club legend and original Bronco Gene Miles.

A brilliant wide running centre or second-rower, Miles is still regarded among the best players ever to pull on a Broncos jersey.