Canberra, Australia – Freshly unveiled as a Canberra Raider, Daine Laurie has broken his silence on the decision that stunned NRL circles; turning down a late offer from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to join Ricky Stuart’s Raiders on a multi-year deal.
For Laurie, this move isn’t just about football. It’s about belief, redemption, and the promise of a fresh start.
“I just felt the Raiders wanted me for who I am,” Laurie revealed in an emotional interview following his signing. “They didn’t want to change me; they wanted to help me get back to my best. That meant a lot. I’ve had ups and downs in my career, but Canberra felt like a place where I could be myself and grow again.”
The deal, structured as a one-year contract with a mutual option for a second, underscores the mutual gamble both player and club are taking. Laurie is betting on himself to deliver a breakout season that reignites his career, while the Raiders are wagering on his natural talent and untapped potential.
At 26, Laurie stands at a defining moment. Once branded a “mercurial” talent for his flashes of brilliance and unpredictability, he’s determined to turn that narrative around in the capital. “I’ve learned a lot over the years – the good and the bad,” Laurie said. “Now it’s about consistency. Ricky [Stuart] believes I can bring something special to this team, and I’m ready to prove that.”
Head coach Ricky Stuart has been a strong advocate for the signing, praising Laurie’s versatility and drive. “Daine’s the kind of player who can change a game with one touch,” Stuart said. “He’s hungry, he’s got spark, and he’s got something to prove. Those are the kinds of players that thrive here.”
Laurie’s decision to choose the Raiders over the Bulldogs was influenced by the club’s culture, family-like environment, and the belief shown in him from day one. “I had other offers, but Canberra just felt right,” he explained. “There’s a real sense of unity here. Everyone’s working hard for each other, and that’s what I want to be part of. It’s not about the biggest contract; it’s about being in the right place to become the best version of myself.”
The Raiders see Laurie as a key depth option at fullback, capable of slotting into five-eighth or centre if required. His style: creative, fearless, and instinctive; fits perfectly within Canberra’s evolving attacking identity.
Fans have welcomed the signing with open arms, calling Laurie’s arrival a “perfect fit” for the club’s new generation of players. For many, it feels like a second-chance story waiting to be written.
As Laurie put it simply: “I’m ready to give everything for the green jersey. This is where I want to prove I belong.”
If heart, hunger, and belief count for anything, Canberra’s punt on Daine Laurie could soon look like one of the cleverest recruitment calls of the 2026 NRL season.
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