Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart announced some exciting news during his speech at tonight’s Meninga Medal, with Paul Vaughan extending his contract with the club until the end of the 2017 season.

Vaughan was currently under contract until the end of the 2015 season, but a rapid rise this season including a debut representative jersey for Country Origin has seen Vaughan earn an extended deal.

He joins the likes of Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee and Brenko Lee who have all extended their deals with the Raiders this season.

A local junior, Vaughan said staying with the Raiders had always been his number one priority and said it was great to have his future sorted before the start of next season.

“I’ve never wanted to go anywhere or play for anyone else,” Vaughan said. “Canberra is my hometown and the Raiders are my team and I’m grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me to start my career.

“I’m looking forward to the next few seasons, seeing the team improve and become a premiership contender.”

Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart said he believed Vaughan had a big future in the game and at the Raiders and said it was fantastic to see another local junior make his way into the Raiders NRL team.

“I’m very excited about the confidence Paul has shown in the team and the direction we’re going in,” Stuart said. “He’s another local junior and there’s nothing better than having players like Paul at our club as we build for the future.

“He’s been one of our most consistent performers all season and we look forward to him improving his football over the next three seasons and taking his game to the next level.”