IT is the Green Machine that never breaks down. A system that has enticed and enhanced some of the greatest coaches of the modern era.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that no less than 18 coaches currently in rugby league have shifted through the Raiders — either as a player or coach. It is a remarkable situation.

Some of those coaches include Tim Sheens (Australia), Laurie Daley (NSW), Mal Meninga (Queensland), Michael Maguire (Souths), Wayne Bennett (Brisbane), Craig Bellamy (Melbourne) and Neil Henry (Gold Coast).

And, of course, Canberra’s current coach Ricky Stuart, is a former Raiders champion.

Others who have passed through the Raiders who are still in coaching include Terry Matterson (Gold Coast assistant), Wayne Collins (Souths assistant), Todd Payten (Cowboys u20s), Brett Kimmorley (Wests Tigers u20s), Ian Millward (Dragons assistant), Kevin Walters (Broncos assistant) and Justin Morgan (Melbourne assistant).

David Furner, the ex-Canberra NRL coach, is now an assistant at North Queensland.

“The systems have been in place since Wayne Bennett, Tim Sheens and Don Furner senior were in charge,” Stuart told The Sunday Telegraph.

“They were mentors who laid the platform. They gave people the chance to stay in the game as future coaches.”

Two former Raiders will go head-to-head in State of Origin I this Wednesday night.

Daley and Meninga helped Canberra to three premierships in 1989, 1990 and 1994. They are genuine legends.

Each and every coach at Canberra owes a special tribute to Sheens, the man who helped build the Raiders’ empire.

Bennett and Furner also played a key role, guiding Canberra to their first ever grand final back in 1987, an 18-8 loss to Manly at the SCG.

“Tim Sheens has been a great mentor for a lot of people,” Daley said. “The Raiders have great systems in place and there have always been good people at the club.

“It’s difficult to point out why so many coaches have started at Canberra but all those coaches are different in their own right.

“It’s good to see they all have a connection with the Green Machine.”

Raiders CEO, Don Furner junior, added: “We think we have a really great system here in Canberra which has ensured that so much success comes through.

“Coaches go on to have their own careers, some stay at the club. We think we have a fantastic junior development program in place.”

Daley tipped Canberra to thrive under Stuart.

“It’s great to see the Raiders back doing well again,” Daley said. “Ricky has done a tremendous job and he will lead this club back to glory.”