A wave of excitement swept through GIO Stadium in Canberra today as the Canberra Raiders board, led by Chairman Dennis Richardson AC, delivered a bold and inspiring message to players, staff, and the wider rugby league community.
Addressing members and fans, Richardson reaffirmed the clubโs commitment to excellence, unity, and long-term success. He praised the resilience shown over recent seasons and emphasized that the Raiders are entering a defining chapter in their proud history.
โThis club stands for hard work, loyalty, and community,โ Richardson said. โWe back our coach, we back our players, and we back the green machine to rise.โ
Stuart Responds With Major Leadership Announcement
Moments after the chairmanโs address, Head Coach Ricky Stuart stepped forward to make a headline-grabbing announcement โ naming club legend Josh Papalii as the Raidersโ new captain.
The decision was met with thunderous applause inside the stadium, as Papalii, one of the clubโs most respected veterans, was officially handed the leadership reins.
Stuart described Papalii as โthe heartbeat of this team,โ praising his professionalism, toughness, and unwavering loyalty to the Raiders jersey.
โJosh embodies everything this club stands for,โ Stuart said. โHe leads by action, by voice, and by example. The boys trust him โ and so do I.โ
A New Era for the Green Machine
Papalii, visibly emotional, thanked the board, coaching staff, teammates, and fans for their belief.
โThis club means everything to me,โ he said. โIโll give everything I have to lead this team the right way.โ
With strong backing from the board and a respected leader at the helm, the Raiders appear poised to charge into the new season with renewed purpose. Fans leaving GIO Stadium were buzzing, hopeful that this marks the beginning of a powerful new era for Canberra rugby league.
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