- I will be here forever! The Canberra Raiders are set to signed Corey Harawira-Naera to a permanent contract that will last until his retirement in…Read more
The rugby league world woke up to a bombshell this week. The Canberra Raiders are reportedly finalizing a groundbreaking agreement with second-rower Corey Harawira-Naera, a deal so unique and so bold that it has already been described as “one of the most permanent commitments in modern NRL history.”
The contract, set to tie Harawira-Naera to the Raiders for the remainder of his playing career until retirement, is unprecedented in scope. While details of the financial structure are still being finalized, the intent is clear: the Raiders are making a lifelong pledge to their Kiwi powerhouse, ensuring he will never wear another NRL jersey again.
Harawira-Naera himself summed it up best during a brief media appearance outside GIO Stadium in Canberra:
> “I will be here forever. This club gave me a second chance, a family, and a home. Now it’s time for me to give them everything back. This isn’t just a contract—it’s a lifetime bond.”
For Raiders fans, this is more than a signing. It’s a promise. A declaration of loyalty rarely seen in the modern sports era, where contracts are temporary and players often move clubs in search of bigger deals. It is also a powerful statement from the Raiders’ front office: they are doubling down on stability, culture, and loyalty as their formula for long-term success.
Corey Harawira-Naera: The Journey to Forever
To understand the magnitude of this contract, one must revisit the path Harawira-Naera took to get here.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1995, Harawira-Naera rose through junior rugby systems with a mix of raw athleticism and determined grit. Standing 188 cm tall and weighing over 100 kg, his combination of mobility and power made him a natural in the second row.
He debuted in the NRL with the Penrith Panthers in 2017, quickly making an impression with his aggressive running lines and defensive work rate. After two strong seasons, he transitioned briefly to the Canterbury Bulldogs, where he showed flashes of brilliance but also faced off-field challenges.
By 2020, the Raiders took a chance on him, signing him during a turbulent period in his career. What followed was a steady revival of both his playing style and reputation. Under Ricky Stuart’s coaching and the Canberra system, Harawira-Naera rediscovered his form. He became known for his hard edge, uncompromising defense, and ability to provide impact off the bench or as a starter.
His resilience and loyalty since joining the Raiders have earned him respect from teammates, coaches, and fans alike. And now, he will be rewarded with permanence.
Why a Lifetime Contract Is Revolutionary
In modern professional sports, contracts are often short-term, with constant renegotiations based on form, injuries, or market value. Rarely do we see deals that guarantee a player’s place at one club until retirement.
This move is revolutionary for several reasons:
1. Stability in Uncertain Times – The Raiders are locking in a player who embodies their values. In a league where transfers can disrupt team chemistry, this ensures a key cultural figure never leaves.
2. Cultural Symbolism – Harawira-Naera has become a fan favorite and role model, especially within the Māori and Pasifika communities. His commitment strengthens the Raiders’ ties with these groups.
3. Breaking the Mold – This could set a precedent. Other clubs may now explore long-term loyalty-based deals, prioritizing culture over pure market economics.
Fan Reactions: Loyalty Rewarded
The Raiders faithful are ecstatic. On social media, hashtags like #ForeverGreen and #CoreyForLife trended across Australia. Fans described the signing as “the most Canberra thing ever”—a club known for loyalty and family values embracing a player who personifies both.
At GIO Stadium, local supporters gathered in green jerseys to celebrate. One fan, interviewed by Fox League, summed it up:
> “Corey isn’t just a player. He’s one of us. When he says he’s here forever, it feels like the Raiders are here forever too.”
For a club sometimes overshadowed by Sydney-based teams, this kind of community-driven narrative is invaluable
The Raiders’ Strategy: Building Legacy Over Hype
While other NRL clubs chase marquee signings or short-term splashes, the Raiders’ approach is different. Ricky Stuart and CEO Don Furner have long emphasized loyalty, development, and family culture.
By offering Harawira-Naera permanence, they’re making a statement: this isn’t just about one season, but about legacy-building. Just as club legends like Mal Meninga, Laurie Daley, and Jason Croker became synonymous with Canberra, Harawira-Naera now has the chance to etch his name into Raiders folklore.