Canberra Raiders star Ethan Sanders has confirmed he will be locked away on a new deal with the club by November 1.
The halfback had a slow start to his first-grade career in the nation's capital during 2026, but spend the second half of the year as one of Canberra's best players.
It was enough for him to be named rookie of the year at the Dally M Medal ceremony on Wednesday evening, with Sanders seeing off the challenge from Melbourne Storm debutant Cooper Clarke.
Sanders is off-contract at the end of 2027 and could talk to clubs about his future from November 1, but told Fox Sports that it won't be happening.
“I definitely won't be letting it get to November 1,” Sanders told the publication.
“I'll definitely be re-signed before then.
“I love my time in Canberra so far and hopefully we can extend that for a bit longer.”
Sanders moved to the Raiders having come through the Parramatta Eels junior system, and while there was talk during 2025 he was starting to become frustrated with biding his time behind Jamal Fogarty, he has leapt in to the number seven jumper this year.
The club did sign Coby Black from the Brisbane Broncos at the end of 2025 as an insurance policy of sort, even though coach Ricky Stuart was on record last year saying the club wanted an experienced half to replace Fogarty.
Black, instead had to wait until the final round of the season to find an opportunity in the top grade, and while his debut was spectacular, he will again be forced to bide his time behind Sanders again next year.
Sanders, it's understood, will re-sign with the club through to the end of 2029 on a two-year deal, with a substantial pay increase.
The market value of halves has skyrocketed, and while Sanders won't join the seven-figure club, he will be paid a figure that accurately reflects his performances and potential for growth in the coming years.
Sanders might have won the rookie of the year award on Wednesday, but will head into the new year with plenty to prove given Canberra's topple down the ladder throughout 2025.
