Raiders lock in forward

The Canberra Raiders have extended the contract of forward Joe Tapine until the end of the 2023 season.

The New Zealand international was contracted for the 2019, but the Raiders decided to tie up Tapine's long-term future.

Tapine played 16 games for the Raiders in 2018 and finished top runner-in the Raiders best and fairest award.

The 24-year-old said he is looking forward to continuing his career in Canberra.

"Moving to the Raiders has been the best decision for my footy and I know by extending my time here in Canberra I can continue to become a better player," Tapine told the Raiders website. 

"I'm confident in the group of players and coaches we have that we can keep improving and be a better and more consistent team."

"My partner and I have also made a home in Canberra and we love living here."

Tapine made his debut for Newcastle in 2014 and played 20 games for the Knights before switching to the Raiders in 2016.

Tapine has played 62 games for the Raiders and seven for New Zealand at international level.