The Canberra Raiders have confirmed after their final home game of the season that seven players will leave the club, with multiple backline players futures uncertain.
On Friday night after the Canberra Raiders lost 34-30 to the Brisbane Broncos, the club displayed a graphic on their big screen confirming the departures of Kain Anderson (unsigned), Jayden Brailey (Wests Tigers), Morgan Smithies (Perth Bears), Josh Papalii (retirement), Corey Horsburgh (*Perth Bears), Michael Asomua and Jake Clydsdale (unsigned).
The Raiders were also reported to release Sebastian Kris to the New Zealand Warriors, however, this has not been confirmed.
Corey Horsburgh was reported to have signed a multi-year deal with the Perth Bears, but this has not been confirmed officially yet as well.
It is also unclear what will happen regarding the future of Matthew Timoko, who had a mutual option with the club, and was linked with a exit at stages this season.
The club have made three re-signings, extending Mitchell Brophy and Ata Mariota until the end of the 2028 season and Joe Roddy until the end of the 2030 season.
The futures surrounding Vena Patuki-Case, Jed Stuart and Chevy Stewart are also uncertain at the moment.
Patuki-Case and Stuart remain without a contract for 2027. Jed, son of Raiders coach Ricky, was reportedly in talks to extend with the club. However, no deal has been announced or confirmed.
Chevy Stewart also has a club option for the 2027, which has not been officially accepted, although reports have also suggested the club will retain the fullback for next season.
Kain Anderson arrived at Canberra in early 2025 made his NRL debut with the club in the last round of the season.
He had a full-time training deal and was a versatile player in NSW Cup, with his services needed at centre, wing, in the halves and backrow during the season.
There have been no confirmed signings for players joining the Raiders next season.
Of their seven departures, Josh Papalii's leadership and experience will be missed, while Horsburgh's exit will be connected with a hot and cold relationship to Ricky and the drama that occurred against the Knights that defined their season.
Morgan Smithes arrived from England before the start of the 2024 season and has certified his status as a reliable role player in the NRL.
