The Canberra Raiders have confirmed Matt Timoko has re-signed with the club through to the end of 2028.
Timoko had an option in the remainder of his contract, with the centre now confirmed to be locked in at the club for the next two years.
The centre had a mixed run when it came to selection early in the year, but has been a more permanent part of Ricky Stuart's side through the second half of the year.
That has ultimately seen him lock up a new deal, with Timoko a key part of the club's plans moving forward, likely alongside Simi Sasagi, who will continue on the other side of the park.
“Canberra has been a big part of my life ever since I moved here. I was just happy to get some clarity on my future which is very important to me,” Timoko said
“I like to think of myself as someone who can guide people or give advice when they need it. I like to train the way I want to play. It's just those little things that I wanted to add to my game this year which I'm really enjoying.
“Our whole spine is under 25 years old and now they've got a bit of experience under their belt. I think there's big things to come next year and I'm just excited to be apart of it."
Timoko has played 129 games for the Raiders, scoring 40 tries, with 6 in 18 games so far this year. It's his other stats that jump off the sheet though, with the centre, who has played 9 Tests for New Zealand, averaging more than 150 metres per game with the ball in hand.
“Matt has been a mainstay of the Raiders side for the past five seasons, and we're stoked to see him stay here in Canberra,” Raiders recruitment manager Craig Hutchison said.
“His strength and tackle-busting ability is second to none, and we see Matt as an important piece of our team moving forward.”
The Raiders will now need to weigh up the future of Sebastian Kris, who has been linked to the Gold Coast Titans and New Zealand Warriors, although the latter are now believed to be out of the race.
