Canberra have added some heavy hitters to their coaching staff with former Wallabies star Matt Giteau and ex-Cronulla captain Dale Finucane signing on for the 2026 season.
Giteau, who played over 100 Tests for the Wallabies, has family ties to the Raiders with his father Ron playing 78 matches there in a 226-game career.
The 43-year-old, who grew up in Canberra and mostly played for the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby, only retired last year after a stint in Major League Rugby in the USA.
The former playmaker, Finucane and former Canberra half Matt Frawley will work as part-time pathways coaches, assist the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup programs along with the Raiders Academy in specialist attack and defence coaching.
Giteau said he was grateful to be involved with the Raiders, especially given the history of his father and brother Justin, who is a former Canberra assistant coach.
"To be involved with the Raiders is very special. It's only a small and limited capacity, but I'm honoured to be here especially given the history of my father and brother being involved as well," Giteau told the Canberra club's website.
"I'll be more attack focused - catch and pass, ball handling, decision making and skills specific training. It's also great to connect with guys like Dale and Matt and work with them."
Dual premiership winner and NSW State of Origin forward Finucane said he was excited to dip his toe into coaching with the green machine.
"Obviously living relatively close to Canberra, it was a really good fit for me. I'll be specialising in more defensive wrestle specific training," the retired forward said.
"I particularly enjoy working with this age group of 16-20 year olds where everyone is wanting to get better and aspiring to play NRL. To be able to impact those guys and see their progression is really exciting.
